History of the town of Ledyard, 1650-1900

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The Cono-regational Church and Soldiers' Monument, Meeting House Hill.

HISTORY

OF THE

TOWN OF LED YARD

1 650 -- 1900.

BY

Rev. JOHN AVERY.

NOYES & DAVIS :

PRESS OF THE BULLETIN CO.,

NORWICH, CONN.

I901.

^i*j 1

UMvV

f

A '^-i^(rv:^

Entered according to Act of Congress

with the Librarian at Washington,

by Lcdyard Bill,

1901.

Preface.

At the annual meeting of the Bill Library Association, held in
Ledyard, Aug. 30, 1899, the writer read a paper on the Pequot
Indians. It prompted Ledyard Bill, who was present, to suggest
the preparation of a History of the Town of Ledyard, Mr. Bill
offering to publish it^ also to assist in its preparation. After a
few months delay — rduring which the proposal was duly con-
sidered— the work was begun, and the result is here given.

To the many friends who have rendered assistance the un-
dersigned tenders hearty thanks. Some have written portions
of the work in full ; many have furnished facts and statistics that
have been wrought into it. All has been done so cheerfully and
thoroughly as greatly to relieve the difficulties and discourage-
ments of the work. -

J. A.

Norwich, Conn.,

1 901.

Table of Contents.

CHAPTER I.
Early History of the Town, etc.

CHAPTER n.
History of the Congregational Church and Society.

CHAPTER IH.

History of the St. James' Episcopal Church.

CHAPTER JV.
History of the Separatist Church.

CHAPTER V.
History of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

CHAPTER VI.
Plistory of the Baptist Church.

CHAPTER Vn.
History of the Rogerene Quakers.

CHAPTER VHI.
The Revolutionary War — 1775-1783.

CHAPTER IX-
The Second War with England — 1 812-15.

CHAPTER X.
The Civil War of 186 1-5.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. C

CHAPTER XL

Family Histories and Genealogies.

CHAPTER XH.
Biographical Sketches.

CHAPTER xnr.

Plistory of the Bill Library.

CHAPTER XIV.
The Pequot Indians.

CHAPTER XV.
The Norwich & Worcester Railroad.

APPENDIX.

Memorial df Separatists of Pteston, North Groton, Norwich
and Stonington to the General Assembly of Connecticut,
October, 1751.

Order to Sheriff Respecting Preston Separatists.

Order for the Lay Out of the Principal Highway Leading frotn
Cenitre Groton to Preston Town Line in 1723.

Names of School Teachers, Sixth School District.

Letter of Siamuel Capron to Col. Benadam Gallup.

Letter of John Quincy Adams to Norman B. Brown.

Committee Appointed to Perambulate Line Between Groton
and Prestoo.

List of Probate Judges.

Roll of the Fallen., on Soldiers' Monument.

Catalogue of Deaths — ^1713-1854.

List of Illustrations.

Page.

Allyn, Israel 171

Allyn, Lt. Stanton 165

Avery, Rev. Frederick D i77

Avery, Henry W 175

Avery House, The 73

Avery, Rev. John 41

Bill, Charles 112

Bill, Gurdon 106

Bill, Hon. Henry 183

Bill, Hon. Richard 104

Bill, Rev. William, D. D 102

Billings, Capt. James A 186

Brewster, Hon. John 188

Congregational Church, Frontispiece

Cook, Rev. Nehemiah B 37

Cook, Lt. William T 192

Cutting, Rev. Charles 39

Bpiscoipal Church, The St. James' 46

Fanning, George . 120

Fort Decatur, 82

Gallup, Dea. Erastus 203

Gallup, Henry H 202

Gallup Homestead, The 121

Gallup, Isaac . , , , ' 197

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

Page.

Gallup, Rev. James A 205

Gallup, Maj. Jacob L 196

Gallup, Dea. Russell 204

Gallup, Dea. N. Sands 206

Gale's Ferry R. R. Depot, 266

Geer, Capt. Nathaniel B 209

Geer, James L 129

Hurlburt, Rev. Ralph 55

Kinmouth, Rev. Albert E. 43

Latham, Thomas 141

Larrabee, Capt. Adam 214

Larrabee, Hon. Henry 219

Larrabee, Capt. Nathan F 218

Larrabee, Gov. William 215

Library, The Bill 243

Methodist Episcopal Church, The 53

Norman, Stephen H 223

Parsonage, The Bill 40

Peckham, Rev. Stephen H 58

Plan of Fort Griswold, 76

Spicer, Capt. Edmund 227

Spicer, John S 228

Stoddard, Ebenezer 160

Stoddard, Guy C 229

Tuttle, Rev. Timothy 35

Williams, Denison B 161

Williams, Hon. Elias Hewitt 239

Winthrop, Gov. John, Jr 18

CHAPTER I.
The Town of Ledyard.

The town of Ledyard, formerly the North Society of Groton,
and earlier still a part of the town of New London, is situated in
the south-eastern central part of New London County, and is
bounded on the north by Preston, on the east by Stonington and
North Stonington, on the south by Groton, and on the west
by the Thames river, which separates it from Montville and
Waterford. In form it is nearly square, and the distance from
the northern boundary line to the southern is about six miles ;
the distance from the eastern to the western, an average of about
seven miles. The surface is rough and uneven, and much of it
better adapted to grazing than to tillage. Yet the soil is fertile,
and, when thoroughly subdued, gives good returns for the labor
bestowed upon it.

Near the north-east corner of the town — just over the line
in North Stonington — is Lantern Hill, well-known as the first
land seen by mariners approaching our coast. Some of them
have spoken of it as looking, when it first comes into view, much
like a round-crowned hat resting upon the ocean as far away as
the eye can reach. It is a famous reso^rt for picnic parties and
others seeking a wide outlook upon greatly varied and charming
scenery.

In the south-west corner of the town is a tract of land — some
thirty acres or more — which belongs to the United States Govern-
ment, being a part of the Navy Yard established there upon the
deep waters of the Thames about 1881.

There are large deposits of granite in different parts of the
town; and some of them have been utilized, to a considerable
extent, for building purposes. This is especially true of those
located near the Thames river.

Iron ore is found in some places, though not in sufficient

lO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

quantities to render it specially valuable. In one granite quarry-
in the northern central part of the town — on land belonging to
the heirs of the late Israel Allyn — an ore was discovered some
years since which was thought by a man who had worked in
silver mines, to be silver ore. A specimen of it was sent to Prof.
E. S. Dana, of Yale College, who pronounced it non-magnetic
iron.

A deposit of kaoline, located on Avery Hill, in the west part
of the town, was worked some years since by the company that
was then engaged in working the large silex mine near Lantern
Hill. But while the silex proved to be remarkably fine in
quality and well-nigh exhaustless in quantity, this was far from
being the case with the kaoline; and the working of it was
presently abandoned. Gold and silver, also nickel and copper,
are found in a broad belt of granite which passes under the farm
of Mr. Courtland Lamb in the south part of the town ; whether
the percentage of metal in the granite is sufficient to pay for
working has not yet been determined.

The territory now covered by the town originally abounded
in forests made up of oak, chestnut, ash, walnut, birch, maple,
poplar, whitewood, cedar and other varieties of trees. These
forests were largely cleared away by the first settlers and their
immediate successors. But they were fast growing up, and ap-
proaching their old-time proportions again, until a dozen or
fifteen years ago the steam saw-mills came in, and have since
greatly reduced the territory covered b)- them and done much
damage to the beauty of many landscapes. There are several
large cedar swamps in the town. One of them, near Lantern
Hill, is nearly a mile in diameter ; another in the west part of the
town about the same size. These swamps abound in cedars,
pines, hemlocks, and have furnished, in years gone by, large
quantities of valuable lumber — used both in house-building and
ship-building. During the latter part of the eighteenth century
— from a time previous to the Revolutionary War — and on into
the nineteenth century up to the War of 1812-15, a large trade
with the West Indies, with various South American and Euro-
pean ports, and even with more distant countries, was- carried on

THE TOWN OF LED YARD. II

from Norwich and New London ; and the vessels engaged in this
trade were mostly built in the last-named places. No small part
of the timber used in building them was obtained from the forests
of (North Groton) Ledyard. This was especially true of the
spars, many of which were taken from "Mast Swamp," as it was
called, in the west part of the town. During the first part of the
nineteenth century, when the whaling business was largely car-
ried on from New London much of the best material used in the
construction of whale-boats was obtained in the cedar swamps of
(North Groton) Ledyard. The underbrush growing among the
evergreen trees in these swamps are often rhododendrons, which,
in the season of their blooming early in the month of July, often
attract large numbers of admiring spectators. Perhaps of all the
deciduous trees native to the town, the most interesting and
beautiful is the tulip tree. It may be found in the central por-
tions along the principal highway from the ancient home of Peter
Gallup to the present parsonage. A friend of the writer says
that more than half a century ago he used, oh Sunday mornings
in summer, to stop under the shade of one of these fragrant trees
at the foot of Newton's hill and rest before proceeding to- church.
This tree is now destroyed, but its progeny still exist.

The evergreen swamps, with their surroundings, often present,
in the early autumn, scenes which are admired by every beholder.
The swamp itself, in the valley, retains its rich, deep green. The
adjoining hill-sides, covered as they are with a great variety of
trees, such as oak, chestnut, maple, birch, beech, assume almost
every variety of color. In some places there is dark brown — in
others, bright crimson — in some, rich golden hues — in others,
light yellow approaching to whiteness. And all these varied
colors are sO' charmingly mingled with each other that the com-
bined effect of them is, in the highest degree, pleasing. A lover
of nature, who, from some neighboring hill-top, had beheld one
of these beautiful views, penned the following:

"Autumn forests, so bright and so gay.

Decked with green, brown, crimson and gold.

Invite us among them tO' stay.
And gaze on their beauties untold."

12 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

During the early years of the occupancy of the territory by
white settlers wild animals abounded in the forests. If bears
were here to begin with they left at an early date. The same
is true of the deer, though, in recent years, under the protection
of law, a representative of the species has occasionally made a
journey through the regions which were once perhaps inhabited
by his ancestors. Wolves were numerous, and they stayed for.
a good many years. Beavers were plenty in early colonial days,
but long ago migrated to regions remote from civilization. But
foxes, raccoons, woodchucks, skunks, minks, muskrats, rabbits
and squirrels are still on the ground; and these together with
such game-birds as partridges, quails and woodcocks attract con-
siderable numbers of hunters at certain seasons. Venomous rep-
tiles were abundant in the early history of the region; so much
so as to be a serious annoyance to the settlers. Red-snakes oc-
cupied the section near Lantern Hill ; and rattle-snakes, that on
and around Candle-wood Hill. A story has come down to us,
illustrating the manner in which our ancestors dealt with these
uncomfortable occupants of the Candle-wood territory. An old
Indian, resident in the neighborhood, offered, for a price which
he named, to inaugurate a war of extermination against the
venomous reptiles. His price was accepted, a bargain was made,
and, after some preliminary preparations, he entered upon his
work. The first important thing which he set himself to do was,
to capture, without killing, one of the harmful creatures against
which the war was to be waged. He accordingly concealed him-
self near the entrance to the clefts in the rocks which they in-
habited. After several days of patient watching he discovered a
large rattle-snake lying quietly in the sun off quite a distance
from his den. He approached him as noiselessly as possible,
placed a crotched stick over his neck, and held him fast to the
ground. He then called for help, which, being not far away,
was soon present. His assistant took his place in holding the
snake firmly in his place. He himself meantime proceeded to
the performance of other parts of the plan which he had marked
out. With a pointed knife he made a hole through the skin on
the back of the snake, and into it slipped a strong cord which he

THE tOWN OF LED YARD. 1I3

tied firmly around the snake's body. To this cord he attached
a powder horn filled with powder — its nozzle closed with a punk-
wood stopple reaching well down into the powder. He then set
fire to the outer end of the stopple, and after it had begun to
burn freely, he headed the snake toward his hole and let him go.
He soon disappeared under the rocks dragging the powder-horn
with its burning stopple behind him. A signal was then given
for the neighborhood to assemble ; and men and boys from far
and near, armed with guns and clubs and stones, were promptly
upon the ground. In due time the ignited stopple of the powder-
horn burned down to the powder, and there was a tremendous
explosion, by which rocks and stones were thrown in all direc-
tions, and some of the snakes with them. Others, in their fright,
left their quarters and attempted to escape, but were everywhere
met and dispatched by the men and boys who were waiting to
receive them. From this time onward dwellers in the Candle-
wood district were not often seriously annoyed by rattle-snakes.

But there were larger creatures than snakes that were
troublesome in by-gone generations. Miss Caulkins quotes
from, the New London Records, "That upon Mond., the i6th
day of Jan., 1709-10, being a very cold day, upon the report
of a kennel of wolves, mortal enemies to our sheep and all our
other creatures, was lodged and lay in ambuscade in the Cedar
Swamp, waiting there for an opportunity to devour the harmless
sheep; upon information whereof, about thirty of our valiant
men, well disciplined in arms and special conduct, assembled
themselves and with great courage beset and surrounded the
enemies in the said swamp, and shot down three of the brutish
enemies, and brought their heads through the town in gr&k't
triumph."

Remarking upon this Record, Miss Caulkins says — "For
thirty years after the date referred to in the above Record, a wolf-
hunt was a customary annual sport. From ten to forty persons
usually engaged in it, who surrounded and beat up some swamp
in the neighborhood. Mill-pond Swamp and Cedar Swamp
were frequently scoured for wolvfrs in Nov., or the latter part of
Oct. George, son of John Richards, had a bounty of £11 for

14 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD. ,

wolves killed in the year 171 7. The bounty had been raised to
twenty shillings per head. The bounty for killing a wild-cat was
three shillings. It was not till 1714 that any enactment was
made to encourage the killing of foxes. At that time a bounty
was offered of three shillings for a grown fox ; with whelps, four
shillings; a whelp, one shilling." (History of N. L., 404-5).

The town contains a large number of excellent springs of
water. They are found in almost every part of it — sometimes
breaking out by the sides of rocks or at the roots of trees —
sometimes bubbling up through sand or gravel in open fields,
and flowing off through woods or meadows, and uniting with
sirftilar rivulets coming from different directions to form rush-
ing streams. These springs generally send forth water of
superior quality ; and not a few of them are never-failing — the
dryest seasons do not fully check their flow.

The waters from the north part of the- town empty into
Poquetanuck River and Poquetanuck Cove, and thence find
their way to the Thames River and Long Island Sound. Those
in the west part flow directly into the Thames. Those in the
eastern, central and southern portions find their way through
the ponds near Lantern Hill and other channels into the Mystic
River, and all at length into the Sound. The numerous spring
brooks in the town are favorite resorts for trout ; and considera-
ble numbers of them are caught by fishermen "when the law is
off." In the ponds on the east border, pickerel, perch, pumpkin-
seeds, bullheads and shiners are sometimes taken in considerable
numbers. In the Thames River shad and alewives were formerly
very abundant ; ^.but since the dam at Greeneville was built they
have left. Some of the varieties of fish which remain are striped
bass, blue-fish, flat-fish, weak-fish and smelts ; oysters and crabs
are also found in the river, and clams upon its shores.

On the streams which run through the town or skirt its
borders are water privileges which were perhaps more largely
utilized formerly than they have been in recent years — some
industries which called them intO' use being no longer prosecuted.
The carding machines, the fujling mills, the cloth dressing es-
tablishments— so common a hundred years ago — are no longer

THE TOWN OF LEDYARD. 1 5

needed. The place of the cloth which was made from wool
sheared from sheep raised on the home-farm, spun and wove in
the family, and fulled and dressed at a neighboring mill, is now
supplied by that made at the great manufacturing establishments,
built up by the sides of our rivers, where styles of goods are
made, far superior to those of the olden time, and by processes
which, for rapidity and excellence of workmanship, put to shame
all the old-time ways of doing such things. So. the leather that
was made at the neighborhood tannery from hides taken from
animals butchered by the farmer upon his own premises, and by
some neighboring shbe-maker made into boots and shoes for the
use of the family, is no longer needed, as ready-made shoes, far
superior to those of former times, are everywhere sold at reason-
able prices ; and nobody cares to gO' back to the old-fashioned
ways in matters of this sort.

Still the local water-powers are to some extent useful. The
grist-mill is still running, to provide corn-meal and rye-meal for
the lovers of old-fashioned rye and Indian bread, and provender
for the feeding of animals, especially those that are being fattened
for market. Saw-mills and shingle-mills, tooi, still supply por-
tions of the lumber used in building.

Agriculturally, the town of Ledyard has been compared to a
pumpkin ; the best part of it being on the outside. And it is true
that the farms upon the out-skirts are, as a rule, more easily
tilled than those in the central portion, yet, perhaps, no more
productive.

The crops cultivated by the farmers are quite .various. The
principal cereals are corn, rye, buckwheat and oats ; the vegeta-
bles, potatoes and turnips ; the fruits, apples, pears and peaches ;
and the small fruits, strawberries and raspberries. It is interest-
ing to note just here that Indian corn was a new thing to our
ancestors, and that the Indians themselves showed them how to
cultivate arid prepare it for food. The strawberry, fifty or sixty
years ago, was known chiefly as a wild fruit — of small size, and
very limited in quantity. It is now one of the most valuable
crops cultivated in the town. Many of the larger farmers rely
upon it more than upon any other one thing. In the height of

l6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

the season from some single farms have been shipped from 2,000
to 6,000 baskets a day. They have been sold in nearly all the
cities and villages of Eastern Connecticut; and not a few have
gone to Worcester and other places in Massachusetts. The
peach crop, which was once very abundant, and then, by reason
of disease in the trees, diminished in quantity till it was almost
an entire failure, has been greatly revived in recent years. Large
quantities of this delicious fruit are raised, which command ready
sales at remunerative prices. A good many of the farmers rely
largely upon the products of their dairies. Others fatten for the
market, beef, pork, mutton and veal. Others raise and sell large
numbers of turkeys, chickens, geese and ducks. And many
depend very much upon eggs, the demand for which is so great
that it is seldom fully supplied. Finally, it may be said that of
all the towns in Eastern Connecticut, this town excels in the
growth and cultivation of the small fruits and their cash value
probably exceeds that of any other of its products, so that it has
come about that the central portion of the town yields more of
profit to the farmer than the out-skirts where nature was original •
ly far more kind to agriculture in general.

Wheat was largely cultivated in former years. But, after a
while, the crop began to suffer from the ravages of the weevil
and from unfavorable seasons. At length the great wheat-fields
of the West, with the modern facilities for transportation, ren-
dered it more advantageous to the farmer to buy his wheat-flour
than attempt to cultivate such an uncertain crop.

Flax was much relied upon in the olden time. The cloth
made from it was entirely a home product. The plant was grown
and rotted and broken and hetcheled and spun and wove into
strong cloth' by the family themselves. And this cloth was used
for towels and sheets and shirts and summer jackets, vests and
pantaloons, and a great many other purposes. All this has
passed away, and linen and cotton goods, from raw materials
raised in other parts of the country, and manufactured by
JDrocesses widely different from those which prevailed in the days
of home-spun, have come, and come, doubtless, to stay.

The silk culture, which was carried on in a good many fami-

THE tOW^f OF LEDVARD. 17

lies, sixty to eighty years ago, and was quite a source of profit
to them, has been abandoned ; and the trees from whose leaves
the worms were fed — the white mulberry and the multicaulis —
have nearly disappeared. Silk, in its raw state, is now obtained
in lands where labor is much cheaper than it is here; and is
manufactured in large establishments where the art is carried to
a high degree of perfection. There are establishments of this
sort in Norwich, Preston side. New London and near Hartford.

The earliest occupants of the territory, which makes up the
town of Ledyard, were, so far as known, the Pequot Indians — ■
some account of whom is given in another place. Their succes-
sors, who are now upon the groiind, are largely the descendants
of English Puritans, who came to this country during the first
half of the seventeenth century. Some of them were in the first
company of emigrants, who landed upon Plymouth Rock, Dec.
21, 1620. Others came at later dates — a good many between
1620 and 1640. The majority of them settled first in eastern
Massachusetts, but moved to Connecticut about 1650 — some a
year or two earlier; a larger number several years later, and
settled at New London and Groton and Stonington — the two
last named towns being at that time parts of New London.

A few pioneer settlers found their way up the Thames River
into what is now Ledyard within a few years after the settlement
of New London. There were not a great many, however, that
did this till near 1700. In the years that immediately preceded
and followed this date a considerable number of families — made
up largely of the grand-children of the first settlers at New Lon-
don— ^located permanently within the present boundaries of
Ledyard. Thus four at least of the grand-children of James
Avery (who moved from Gloucester, Mass., about 1649 or 50,
settled in New London, and later, about 1700, moved to
Poquonnoc), settled on Avery Hill near Poquetanuck Cove.
Among the earliest settlers were those at Allyn's Point.

John Winthrop, Jr., left Massachusetts Bay and sailed to the
Thames River and up that river, and located in that part of
Groton, now Ledyard, and known later as Allyn's Point. Win-
throp brought with him quite a number of the original settlers,

2

l8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

and came with the authority of the Bay Colony at Boston. He
gave the name of Groton to the territory in honor oi the name of
"Groton manor" of England, from whence he came. He subse-
quently became the Governor of the Connecticut Colony and
was a man highly respected and much honored.

"Other early settlers in the region were Robert Allyn, Philip
Bill, Jonathan Brewster, William Chapman, Edward Culver, Silas

Gov. John Winthrop, Jr.

Deane, Edmund Fanning, George Geer, John Hurlbutt, William
Maynard, Benadam Gallup, Isaac Lamb, Robert Park, Peter
Spicer, Ralph Stoddard, Ezekiel Turner and William Williams."
— Miss Caulkins.

Those who were church members retained their church con-
nections in Groton for quite a number of years. Religious serv-
ices, however, were held from time to time in their homes. In
due time they began to move in the matter of establishing a
Church in the region where they resided.

THE TOWN OP LEDYARD. 119

The Ecclesiastical Society was formed in 1725 — the center of
the territory covered by it was found by actual measurement —
and upon it the erectio'Ui of a meeting house was begun in 1727.
While the work was going on Mr. Samuel Seabury, a Licentiate,
son of Dea. John Seabury, of Groton, was engaged as a supply.
Four places were designated, in which teii sermons were to- be
preached. One of the places was the house of Dea. William
Morgan — now (1900) owned and occupied by Mr. Billings T.
Avery — in which six of the sermons were tO' be preached. The
other preaching places were the houses of Capt. John Morgan,
Robert Allyn and Ensign William Williams. The Church was
organized and a minister settled in 1729. Fuller particulars are
given in another part of this volume.

Thovigh the people in the Second or North Society, as it was
called, were now, in ecclesiastical matters, quite independent of
those in the south part of the town, they were still associated
with them m town affairs, and remained so a great many years.
A little previous to the Revolutionary War — also' during the War
— the subject of forming a new town out of the Second Society
was considerably agitated. But after the massacre at Fort Gris-
wold, in which large numbers of the leading men in both Societies
were slain, and those whoi remained were drawn into closer
sympathv with each other than they had been, the matter was
laid aside. In after years it carrie up again from time to time;
but for one reason or another the project failed, until at last it
was consummated in 1836. After the requisite preliminary steps
were taken, application in due form was made to the Legislature,
and in the course of the session that year, action was taken ; and
the Second Society of Groton became the town of Ledyard. The
name was given in honor of Col. William Ledyard, of Groton,
the heroic Commander of Fort Griswold on the fatal sixth of
September, 1781. The action of the Legislature in the premises
was as follows :

"An Act to Incorporate the Town of Ledyard.

"Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives in General Assembly, convened :

"Section I. All that part of the Town of Groton in the

20 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

County of New London, lying North of the hne dividing the first
and Second School Societies, in said town, is hereby made and
constituted a separate and distinct town by the name of the town
of Ledyard ; and all the inhabitants now or at any time hereafter
residing North of said line, in said town, shall be and remain a
separate and distinct corporation with all the powers, rights and
privileges, and subject to all the liabilities and obligations of
other towns in this State, with the right of sending one Repre-
sentative to the General Assembly."

Action was soon taken by the town thus incorporated to pro-

■vide itself with officers for the administration of its affairs. At

a meeting, called for the purpose, June ii, 1836, it was voted to

have but three selectmen ; and Capt. Anson Avery, Capt. Henry

Hallet and Mr. Noah Davis were appointed.

In the Constitution of the State, adopted in the year 1818,
Art. III., Sec. 3, is as follows :

"The House of Representatives shall consist of electors re-
siding in towns fro-m which they are elected. The number of
representatives frO'm each town shall be the same as at present
practiced and allowed. In case a new town shall hereafter be
incorporated, such new town shall be entitled to one representa-
tive only ; and if such new town shall be made from one ot more
towns, the town or towns, from which the same shall be made,
shall be entitled to the same number of representatives as at
present allowed, unless the number shall be reduced by the con-
sent of such town or towns."

In accordance with this provision, Ledyard has had but one
representative from the time of its incorporation to the present.
The following list of its representatives has been furnished by
George Fanning:

Representatives from Ledyard in the Legislature.

1836 Capt. Anson Avery, Democrat.

1837 Capt. Anson Avery, ■ Democrat.

1838 Capt. Henry Hallet, Democrat.

1839 Capt. Henry Hallet, Democrat.

THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

21

1840 Capt. Sanford Stoddard, Whig.

1841 Denison B. Williams, Democrat.

1842 Daniel Lamb, Democrat.

1843 Col. Roswell Allyn, Democrat.

1844 Capt. Jacob Gallup, Democrat.

1845 Seabury Tliomas, Democrat.

1846 Col. Elias W. Brown, Democrat.

1847 Capt. John Brewster, Whig.

1848 Capt. Jacob Gallup, Democrat.

1849 Capt. Edmund Spacer, Democrat.

1850 Capt. Elisha A. Satterlee, Democrat.

185 1 Capt. John Brewster, Whig.

1852 Col. Elias W. Brown, Democrat.

1853 William M. Gray, Whig.

1854 Ralph Hurlbutt, Whig.

1855 Col. Elias W. Brown, Democrat.

1856 Maj. Jacob L. Gallup, Democrat.

1857 Nehemiali W. Gallup, Democrat.

1858 William L. Main, Democrat.

1859 Park A. Williams, Democrat.
i860 Stiles Crandall, Democrat.

1861 Ambrose Reynolds, Democrat.

1862 Capt. • Washington Avery, Democrat.

1863 William Fanning, Democrat.

1864 Asa L. Gallup, Democrat.

1865 Benj. F. Lewis, Whig.

1866 Maj. Jacob L. Gallup, Democrat.

1867 Nehemiah M. Gallup, Democrat.

1868 Henry Larrabee, Republican.

1869 Israel Allyn, Republican.

1870 Henry Stoddard, Democrat.

1871 William J. Brown, Democrat.

1872 Alonzo W. Turner, Democrat.

1873 Capt. Chris. A. Brown, Republican.

1874 La Fayette H. Griswold, Democrat.

1875 William L. Main, Democrat.

1876 Franklin Brewster, Republican.

22 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1877 William T. Cook, Republican.

1878 Capt. John Brewster, Republican.

1879 Lt. William T. Cook, Republican.

1880 S. Ashbel Crandall, Democrat.

1881 Capt. James A. Billings, Republican.

1882 William J. Brown, Democrat.

1883 Stephen H. Peckham, Democrat.

1884 Chas. A. Satterlee, Republican.

1885 Hiram A. Hempstead, Democrat.

1886 Courtland Lamb, Democrat.
1888 Hiram A. Hempstead, Democrat.
1890 George W. Spicer, Democrat.
1892 George W. Spicer, Democrat.
1894 Chas. A. Gray, Democrat.
1896 Nathan S. Gallup, Republican.
1898 Jacob Gallup, Democrat.
1900 Daniel Lamb, Republican.

The town oi Ledyard contains fourteen school districts. For
several years past a niiuibcv has been attached to each of these
districts, and, in the official reports to the town and the State,
each district is referred to by its number. But long before these
numbers were used each district had a name of its own — a name
that had come down from former generations — and that still
clings to it. It seems not improper therefore to put these names
on record in this place.

The district in the extreme north-east corner of the town is
known as the Lantern Hill district, in recognition of its proximity
to that famous land-mark of mariners approaching our coast.
Some of the families belonging in this district reside in North
Stonington. The district directly south of this is Cider hill, tak-
ing its name from that of an elevated stretch of land and the good
cider made within its borders. South of this is the Gallup Hill
district, named from the families that were more or less numerous
in the district at the time of christening. In the northern central
part of the town is the Church Hill district — the name given from
the fact that, for about fifty years, the Episcopal Church, which

THE TOWN OF LEDYARD. 23

was removed to Poquetanuck in the year 1785, stood upon the
same hill, thoug'h nearly half a mile away. East of this is a frac-
tional district, including ^Shewville, the scholars from which at-
tend school on Avery's Plains in the town of Preston. A mile
and a half west of the Church Hill school-house is that of the Geer
district. And some two miles south of it is that of the Center
district — located very nearly in the geographical center of the
town. A mile and a quarter east of the Center school-house is
that of the Morgan district — a mile arid a half west of it that of
Unionville, and less than two> miles south of it that of Lamb
Town. In the north-west corner of the town is a new school-
house — not far from the drawbridge over Poquetanuck Cove.
The families which send their children to it formerly belonged to
the Avery Hill district which has gone down. Some who were
once connected with this last-named district now attend school
in Poquetannuck — rsome in the Geer district — ^some in Unionville.
South of this north-west district, and somewhat more than half
way down to the south boundary-line of the town is the school-
house of the Gale's Ferry district ; and off north-east of this is
that of the Stoddard district. South-east from this is that of the
Lester district. And then in the south-west corner of the town,
is the Long Cove district, upon a body of water whose name it
bears.

Each of these fourteen districts has a history of its own. In
some — indeed in most of them — ^the history covers a long stretch
of years, and is specially interesting tO' those who have partici-
pated in its varied scenes, and also' tO' many who have succeeded
them. In many instances the residents are proud of their district,
and often dilate with enthusiasm upon the events that have oc-
curred in it, and extol the noble qualities of the men and women
that have been educated in their school arid fitted for eminent
usefulness in the world. In the biographical and family sketches,
which appear in other parts of this volume, there is considerable
proof that their views of the subject are not wholly unau,thorized.

There have been times in the history of each of these districts

*Forrnerly Ayer'g Mills,

24 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD. ■'■

when the school-houses were filled with scholars — almost every
seat occupied. But this is far from being the case at the present
time. About every district has at times had teachers that de-
veloped a high order of fitness for their work ; and some teachers
of this stamp have been called to much wider fields of usefulness
than any which were here opened to them. Not a few scholars,
who received their early intellectual training in these little red
school-houses, have, as their lives advanced, become members
of academic and collegiate institutions, and in them developing
superior talents, have at later stages in life, filled, with eminent
ability and success, high and honorable positions.

The training received in the public schools of the town has
been supplemented in various ways.

An important factor in the training of some of the young
men was the debating society — formed at the centre of the town —
having its home at the Centre school-house during the winters
for quite a number of years. Prominent among the members
was Col. Elias W. Brown, who was president of the club. Its
membership embraced about all of the young men living in the
Centre and adjoining districts, and visitors from out of town
frequently attended and took part in the discussions. They
grappled with about all of the knotty public questions of that
day — from 1848 to i860 — and settled them all to their satisfaction.
It was a useful, instructive and important aid in the education of
all attending.

In former years the young men, who wished to study survey-
ing, navigation and kindred branches often sought instruction
from the Dabolls — father and son — of Center Groton. In the
30's and 40's of the nineteenth century, a good many pursued
similar studies with Mr. Joseph H. Gallup, of Poquetanuck, a
graduate of Yale College in the class of 1827.

Rev. Mr. Tuttle, during a large part of his ministry, which
extended from 1810 to 1864. was accustomed to teach young
men who applied to him, not only in the higher branch of com-
mon school education, but in the Latin and Greek languages,
thus fitting them to enter college. Rev. Mr. Cutting, during his
residence in Ledyard — 1868 to 1881— did similar work, Miss

THE TOWN OF LEDYARD. 2$

Anna Maria Tuttle (afterward Mrs. N. B. Cook), taught many
of the young ladies of the place in branches which they did not
have facilities for studying in the district schools.

In several years, not very far back in the' past, select schools
have been taught in the town — generally in the Center district — ■
which have awakened great interest and proved themselves high-
ly beneficial. They usually began in the latter part of August
and continued about eight weeks. The number of scholars in
attendance ranged from about twenty to forty. Mr. Samuel
Larhb was the teacher in the years 1867, 1868 and 1877 — Mr.
George Fanning in the years 1869,- 1870 and 1871 — Miss Mary
A. C. Avery, of Mount Holyoke Seminary, in the year 1884 — •
and Mr. William M. Gallup, of Yale University, in the year 1886.

When Bacon Academy of Colchester was in a very flourish-
ing condition — along in the .early and middle portion of the
nineteenth century — a considerable number of young people from
Ledyard patronized it, as also Plainlield Academy, the Suffield
(Connecticut) Literary Institution, and the Academy at Poque-
tanuck, established by the Rev. Mr. Roberts, rector of St.
James' Church at that place. This last named school, however,,
was soon abandoned and later the house was moved into the
village of Poquetanuck tO' serve as a common school building.
Since the establishment of the Free Academy at Norwich, many
have availed themselves of the advantages which it ofifers ; and
some of them have won high encomiums from their well-quali-
fied and experienced teachers.

The population of the town, at the time of its incorporation,
was about 2,000. In 1880 it was not far from 1,400. The census
of 1900 gives the following statistics :

Number of living inhabitants . . 1,218

Number of Indians on reservation 18

Total 1,236

Number of farms 212

Number O'f manufacturing establishments. . 12

Number of persons, deaf amd dumb or blind . 1 1

Number of persons, 70 yekrs old and over. . 94

26 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

The decline in population is owing partly to the fact that
much smaller numbers of children are born in the families than
in previous generations ; but more especially to the increased
emigration from the "worn-out farms," as they are called, to the
more productive regions of the West, and to the neighboring
cities and villages which, for many years past, have been rapidly
increasing, and opening various industrial pursuits which are
much more remunerative than farming on the hard soil, not only
of Ledyard, but of all New England as well.

This emigration began very early in the history of this part
of the country. In the enterprise, which was started a little
previous to 1700, and completed a few years after for securing
for "volunteers in former wars," a tract of land six miles square —
to be distributed among those justly entitled to shares ; the
Averys, the Parks, the Stantons, the Smiths, and others from
Groton and vicinity had a part. The enterprise resulted in the
settlement of Voluntown (/. c. Volunteer Town); and several
men, of the names above-given, located there with their families ;
and some of their descendants are there to-day.

Between 125 and 150 years ago many people moved from
southern to northern New England — from Connecticut and
Massachusetts to New Hampshire and Vermont. Among those
who went from this region were Averys, Brewsters, Parks and
others.

About the same time and a little later considerable numbers
moved from Eastern Connecticut to Eastern Pennsylvania — into
the Wyoming Valley and adjacent regions ; and North Groton
had her representatives among them, in the persons of Averys,
Packers, Hurlbuts and others.

• So also, when, from a few years before 1800 on for more
than half a century, the tide was moving westward into Central
and Western New York, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa
and territories still further on toward the Rockies ; there were
Allyns and Geers and ^lorgans and Gallups and Williamses and
a good many others from North Groton swept along with it.

But the largest out-flow from the place, at any one period,
was that to California in the years 1849-1853, inclusive.

THE TOWN OF LEDYARD. 27

In it were included over thirty young men, who went out in
as many as four different companies. One company, of six,
started from New London in a sailing vessel, January 28, 1849 '>
another, of twelve, on the third of February following; and still
another, of two, a year later. All these went around Cape Horn.
In the spring of 1853 a company of eight went by steamer to
Aspinwall, by rail and boat and mules to Panama, and thence by
steamer to San Francisco.

In these four parties were six men by each of the names
Gallup and Stoddard, four by the name of Chapman, three by the
name of Allyn, two by each of the names Arthur, Lester, Morgan,
Perkins, Turner, and one by each of the names Brown, Miner,
Norman, O'Brien, Rogers and Williams ; thirty-three in all.

Several of these, after a few months' experience in the land
of gold, returned and settled down in the East. Several others
came back, married wives in their native place, and returned to
make California their permanent home.

Since the rush to California most of the removals from the
town have been to Norwich, New London, Mystic and other
places not far away. Young persons, and persons in middle
life too, have gone — some to labor as carpenters and masons,
some to serve as clerks and book-keepers, some to establish
themselves in business. The removals have been constantly -go-
ing on, and constantly reducing the home-population ; for the
numbers moving away have been greater than the numbers
moving in.

A heavy drain upon the young life of the community in
former years was the trade with foreign ports, in which North
Groton took such an active part. Betvifeen the years 1770 and
1814 some thirty or forty men from the place were lost at sea,
or died at sea or in foreign ports. So when the whaling business
was vig'orously prosecuted in New London, from fifty to seventy-
five years ago, there were similar losses of life in that perilous
employment.

But war has carried off larger numbers than any industrial
pursuit, whether by land or sea. A large number, in the aggre-
gate, of yoimg men living here have been from tim^ to time

28 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

called forth as soldiers whenever any war was on foot. In the
French and Indian wars, a century and a half ago, several from
North Groton were engaged — some of them at the sacrifice of
their lives. Also during the first three years of the Revolution
no less than fifteen Pequot Indians went forth from their reserva-
tion, and, becoming connected with the army, died in the service.
And then in the awful massacre at Fort Griswold, twenty-six
young men from North Groton were among the unhappy victims.
In the Civil War of 1861-5, many lost their lives, and their names
may be found upon the roll of honor on the monument erected
at the center of the town to perpetuate their memory. A list
of those engaged in various wars, so far as known, is given
further on.

A mere glance at these painful facts can hardly fail to awaken
in the boso-m an ardent longing for the time when men "shall
beat their swords into plow-shares, and their spears into pruning-
hooks ; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war any more ;" and yet, the nineteenth century, now
closed, will be considered, by historians, the most important
and infltiential, so far as it relates to the inhabitants of the earth,
of any preceding century; it gave to the world railways, steam-
ships, lucifer matches, photography, anaesthetics, antiquity of man,
evolution established, electric telegraph, electric storage batteries,
Roetengen rays, germ theory of disease, illuminating gas, the
oil of the earth, multiplied colors, the Jacquard loom, the cotton
gin, the sewing machine, conservation of energy, the telephone,
wireless telegraphy, compressed air, electric railwa^-s, jMaxim
guns, Krupp rifled cannon, iron shipping, steel-clad battle ships,
spectrum analyses, submarine telephoning, paper from wood, the
phonograph and molecular theory of gases. These sum up more,
in number, and are of larger import to- mankind than all the in-
ventions of all preceding centuries, and still, notwithstanding
these improvements and advantages, more of war and more of
trained soldiers lined up in 'battle array appeared than in all the
previous world's history, perhaps ! Out of these things, however,
the races of men have been uplifted, libert>- and equality more
firmlyestablishedand civilization greatly advanced, Manymillions

THE TOWN OF LEDVARD. 2g

of our fellow men, in two hemispheres, give thanks for enlarged,
liberty and millions more take renewed courage in consequence
of the achievements of the century now closed. But what of the
new, the twentieth century, just dawned upon us? Let us hope
for better and larger things for those whoi shall come after us.

"Our mother earth, whose ages none may tell,
Puts on no change; time bids not her wax pale

Or kindle, quenched or quickened, when the knell
Sounds, and we cry across the veering gale

Farewell — and midnight answers us, Farewell ;
Hail — and the hcaveii of morning answers. Hail."

CHAPTER II.
The Congregational Church.

The town of Ledyard was set off from Groton and incor-
porated in 1836. Previous to this the territory which it covers
was for many years known as the Second or North Parish in
Groton. The Ecclesiastical Society in this North Parish was
organized in 1725, with six or seven members, and at once took
rheasures to find, by actual measurement, the exact centre of
the parish as the proper place for a meeting-house. That centre
was found to be "in the north-east corner of Stephen Morgan's
goat pasture." Upon the spot thus designated the erection of a
meeting-house was begun in 1727. The present church edifice
stands partly on the same grormd, but a little further back from
the highway. The Congregational Church was organized in
1729. The early history of the Church for about 80 years, is
veiled in obscurity. During the last 39 of these 80 years the
Church had no settled pastor, and at sometime in this period
became extinct ; and its records, if it ever had any, have been
lost. Rev. Mr. Tuttle, in a historic sketch, says, "In respect to
the state of the Church during its early history, whether its cir-
cimistances were prosperous at any time, or only adverse, or at
what particular time it ceased to be, even tradition now affords
no light."

Still considerable is known of the men who ministered to the
Church in this obscure portion of its history. Public worship
seems to have been established and maintained — for how long
a time and with how much regularity we know not — previous to
the formation of a Church as such.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 31

The first resident preacher, of whom we have any definite
knowledge, was

Rev. Samuel Seabury, (

a Licentiate, who became later an Episcopalian before he was
ordained ; entered the Episcopalian ministry, and was, for many
years, rector of St. James's Church, New London. He was a
son of John Seabury, deacon of the Congregational Church in
Groton, and was educated at Yale College and Harvard Univer-
sity, and graduated from the last-named institution in 1724.
While supplying at North Groton he occupied a house standing
on the lane that leads westward from the Bill parsonage. In
this house was born his oldest son, Samuel Seabury, Jr., who be-
came the first Episcopal Bishop in America. A more extended
sketch of him is given further along in this volume.

The first ordained pastor of the Church was

Rev. Ebenezer Punderson.

He was a native of New Haven, and a graduate of Yale Col-
lege, in the class of 1726. On the 25th of Dec, 1729, he was
ordained pastor of this Church, being at the time only 21 years
of age. His pastorate continued less than five years, being
terminated by council, Feb. 5, 1734. While ministering to this
people he lived in a house which stood off north-west from the
Church, on the opposite side of the road from the house of Mr.
George H. O'Brien. The early termination of his ministry in
this Church was owing to the fact of his going over to Epis-
copacy. On the first of January, previous tO' his dismission, he
made a communication to the Society, avowing himself a con-
formist to the Episcopal Church of England. This communica-
tion, it is said, "was received with amazement and sorrow, and
a committee chosen, consisting of Robert Geer, Christopher
Avery and Benadam Gallup, to reason with him, and see if he
might not be persuaded that his ordination was good and that
he might return to his people again." But notwithstanding all
that was done by the committee and others, Mr. Plmderson per-

32 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

sisted in his course. After his dismission he went to England
and received Episcopal ordination. Returning tO' this country
he served for a good many years as an itinerant missionary of an
organization in England known as "The Society for Propagating
the Gospel in FoTeign Parts," giving his time largely to^ North
Groton during the earlier portion of the period, but, at later
dates, travelling all over the State and into neighboring States,
and preaching in a great many different places. About 1752 or
1753 he petitioned the Society that he might become their settled
missionary in New Haven ; and his petition was granted. At a
later date he labored in Rye, N. Y., where he died in the year
1771, aged 63.

The second pastor of the Church was

Rev. Andrew Croswell.

He was a native of Charlestown, Mass., and was graduated
at Harvard College in 1728. He was ordained here, Oct. 14,
1736. "The settlement ofifered him was two hundred pounds
per annum for the first two years, and one hundred and ten
pounds afterward." He was to be paid "in bills of public credit
of this and the neighboTing Governments" — a kind of paper cur-
rency, then in use, which was already depreciated, and which
continued to depreciate. The Society stipulated that "in case
he should withdraw from the established religion of this govern-
ment to any other persuasion he should return two hundred
pounds to the Society." Like Mr. Owen, of Groton, and Mr.
Parsons, of Lyme, Mr. Croswell was in sympathy with Edwards
and Whitefield, and even with the erratic Davenport in the New
Light movement or the Great Awakening. And in the interest
of this movement he is said to have preached a good deal in
other parishes besides his own. Though regularly ordained by
council as pastor of this Church, he was dismissed without the
intervention of a coiuncil — he himself giving the Society notice
of his intention to leave them — they voting not to oppose him in
the matter though disapproving of his course — he then giving

THE CONGREGATIONAL CttURCH. 3,5

in his formal resignation ; and the Society, some two years later,
voting that he was dismissed. This last named vote was passed
in April, 1748. While living here he occupied the ho-use that
stands on the top of the hill out east of the Church. On Oct. 5,

1748, he was installed over a newly-formed organization in Bos-
ton, calling itself the Eleventh Congregational Church. Though
the enterprise was started in such a way that some of the other
Churches regarded it as irregular, and as setting a bad precedent
it seemed to succeed fairly well. For Mr. Croswell continued
to be the pastor for almost forty years — dying in office, April 12,
1785, at the age of 76, having been several years blind. He pub-
lished a large number of sermons and essays — quite a number
of them of a controversial character. Among these publications
are the following : "What is Christ to me, if he is not mine? or
a Reasonable Defense of the Old Protestant Doctrine of Justifica-
tion by Faith, 1745." "Second Defense of the Old Protestant
Doctrine oi Justification by Faith, being a reply to the excep-
tions of Rev. Solomon Williams, against a book entitled, 'What
is Christ to me,' &c., 1747." "Heaven shut against Arminians
and Antinomians — a Sermon, 1747."

The next pastor was

Rev. Jacob Johnson.

Rev. Mr. Tuttle, in his forty-eighth anniversary sermon,
makes these statements in regard to him : "I have understood
that he was a native of Wallingford. He was a graduate of Yale
College, in the class of 1740. He was ordained here in June,

1749, and continued in the pastoral office about twenty-three
years. In making provision for his support, the Society, at its
meeting, March 10, 1749, voted, 'that Mr. Jacob Johnson should
have four hundred pounds settlement, and three hundred pounds
in old tenor bills salary yearly, as long as he continues to be our
Gospel preaching minister.' Another vote was passed affirming
that the amount, both of the settlement and the salary of Mr.
Johnson, should vary as the prices of provisions varied at the
time when the money was paid. And it was further stipulated

3

34 HISTORY OF tHE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

that, if Mr. Johnson should withdraw himself to any other per-
suasion, he should return the four hundred pounds settlement
to the Society again, in the same value as he received it. In Oct.,
1772, at a Society meeting, he asked for a dismission, and his
request was readily granted. No mention is made of any council
called for the purpose of his dismission. He married a Miss
Giddings, of Preston, by whom he had several children. He
owned a farm, on which he labored for part of his maintainance.
A piece of swamp land was cleared by him and cultivated." He
lived in the same house that his predecessor, Mr. Croswell, had
occupied. A child of his lies buried near that house. Soon
after he was dismissed in 1772, he left this place, and went to
Wilksbarre, Pa., where he died in 1794. For many years after
his removal the old Church, in which he here preached, was
known as Johnson's meeting house.

The Interim.

After the dismission o-f Mr. Johnson, for about 39 years, the
parish was without a settled minister. The place was not wholly
without religious services during all this period. But the serv-
ices were probably not very regularly sustained ; and for a con-
siderable time in one portion of the period, entirely intermitted.
For tradition affirms that at one time the sanctuary had become
so dilapidated that the cattle, that were wont to^ feed upon the
green nearby, would walk in at the open doors and occupy the
premises as a shelter from the scorching suns or the raging
storms. In this state of things, religion, of course, did not pros-
per— the Church as an org-anized body of Qiristian believers be-
came extinct, and the whole region lapsed into a state of moral
desolation. There were some, doubtless, who deplored this sad
condition of things and wept over it, and prayed and hoped for
better times. And when at length th-ere was a fair prospect of
another minister being settled among them were ready tO' do all
that lay in their power to secure the invaluable boon. It was in
conjunction with the First Church in Groton (which had also
been without a pastor for 15 years) that the end was secured.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CttURCH.

35

Rev. Timothy Tuttle,
a native of East Haven, and a graduate of Yale College, was
the man whom the two Churches united in calling to be their

joint pastor; the arrange-
ment being that he should
give half his services to
each Church — preaching in
one Church one Sabbath,
and in the other Church
the next Sabbath, and that
the twoi Churches should
share equally in paying
him a salary of $450 a year.
Mr. Tuttle began tO' preach
here in April, 1810. On
Dec. 12, 1810, a Church of
five members — one male
and four females — was or-
ganized in this parish, the
service being conducted by
Rev. Walter King, pastor
of the Second Church in Norwich, with the co-operation of Mr.
Tuttle, who, in the Record, is spoken of as a candidate for the
ministry. The ordination of Mr. Tuttle took place in the
Church at Groton, Aug. 13, 181 1 — the people from this part of
the town attending in large numbers — a cavalcade of seventy
young people, with their leader, Mr. James Geer, going down
on horseback, to assist in the service of song. The sermon was
preached by Rev. David Smith, of Durham. Mr. Tuttle aon-
tinued to serve the two parishes, according to the original agree-
ment, till April 2, 1834; when, by the mutual consent of all
concerned, his pastoral relation to the South Parish was dis-
solved, and he became pastor in full of this parish, and gave all
of his time to the work here — the salary to be paid him being
$300. From the first, Mr. Tuttle proved himself a good minister
of Jesus Christ. He was sound in doctrine, sincere and earnest
in pressing the truths of the Gospel upon the heart and the con-

Rev. Timothy Tuttdb.

36 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

science, faithful in pastoral duty, and, on the whole, eminently
successful in his work — leaving salutary impressions upon the
community which will remain for a long time to come. From
a membership of five, to begin with, the membership of the
Church steadily increased as the years passed by. This was es-
pecially true when the Spirit was poured out, and revivals of
religion were enjoyed, as was the case in the years 18 14, 1831,
1842, 1850 and 1858. After 48 years of service, Mr. Tuttle
stated in an anniversary sermon, that the whole number that had
become members of the Church since its formation in 1810, in-
cluding the original five was 209. Several things should be men-
tioned as occurring in his day, and, to a considerable extent,
through his instrumentality; e. g., the establishment. of the Sun-
day-school, about 1818, the starting of the great Temperance
Reformation, a few years later, and the erection of the present
house of worship in 1843. ■'^''- Tuttle 's work here, especially
during the earlier portion of it, was very difficult and attended
with peculiar trials. There were individuals who were opposed
to him, or rather opposed to the Evangelical Doctrines which he
preached, and seemed to delight in throwing obstacles in his way.
But every move they made only strengthened him in his position.
His friends were drawn closer around him, and their numbers
constantly increased, until in the closing years of his life he was
eminently happy in the afifections of the people generally. And
not a few seemed ready to do almost anything that would afford
him pleasure or satisfaction. The good influences exerted by
him as a preacher and pastor, were greatly enhanced by the
efforts he put forth in behalf of the public schools, and especially
by the instruction which he imparted in his own home to young
men gathered there from his own and neighboring towns, train-
ing many of them to become teachers, and fitting quite a number
for college. He lived to preach on the fiftieth anniversary of
his ordination, and to do considerable ministerial work for two
or three years longer. He died June 6, 1864. The parents of
Mr. Tuttle were Joseph Tuttle, of East Haven, and Mary
Granger, of Suffield. He was born, Nov. 29, 1781. The family
moved to Durham when he was about eighteen years old. He

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

37

was graduated, with high rank as a scholar, from Yale College
in the class of 1808. Under the instruction of his pastor, Mr.
Smith, afterward Dr. Smith, he studied theology and fitted
for the ministry. Mrs. Tuttle, in whom he had a faithful help-
mate, was Miss Mary Norton, of Durham. The greater part of
their married life was spent in the first house south of the Church,
on the road leading to New London. Two daughters were born
to them — Anna Maria, who became the wife of Rev. N. B. Cook,
and. Harriet Newell, who married Mr. Leonard Smith.

Mrs. Tuttle died several years before her husband — Feb. 14,
1856- — leaving him comparatively alone. But, in a few years a
kind Providence opened the way for his oldest daughter and her
husband to come and live with him. And by and by, as the in-
firmities of age came upon the venerable pastor, his son-in-law,

Rev. Nehemiah B. Cook,

became associated with him in carrying forward the minis-
terial work of the parish. Mr. Cook was born in Southhamp-
ton, L. I., Sept. 20th,
1793. In his . youth he
worked on the farm, and
attended the public schools.
Later he studied naviga-
tion with the view of going
to sea ; but was dissuaded
from it by an older brother.
He taught school for a
while; then learned and
worked at the carpenter's
trade for several years.
He made a profession of
religion in 1817; and soon
after began to prepare for
the ministry. He was
graduated at Andover
Theological Seminary in

Rev, N, B. Cook,

38 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 82 1. Being licensed by Presbytery he served as a missionary
in Pennsylvania, and as a pulpit supply for several years at
various places on Long Island. He was called to the pastorate
of the First Church in Stonington, and was installed March 17,
1838. He preached at the Road Church one Sabbath, and in the
village of Mystic the next Sabbath, and so on, from week to
week, till the church in the village became strong enough to
support a minister. He then preached at the Road Church in
the morning, and in the village of Upper Mystic in the afternoon
till the close of his labors in Stonington ; his dismission taking
place, March 7, 1859. Moving to Ledyard, Nov. 15, i860, he
relieved his father-in-law by occupying the pulpit one-half of
the time. Upon the death of the latter, he continued to minister
to the Church till another minister was called. It was in the
later part of his ministry that the Town library was founded by
the Hon. Henry Bill, of Norwich. Mr. Cook was the first presi-
dent of the Bill Library Association ; and he continued to hold
the office till the time of his death which occurred, Nov. 17, 1879.
Mrs. Cook lived on till March 21, 1890. Both of them were
highly esteemed and beloved by the people of Ledyard.

The next pastor was

Rev. Charles Cutting,

a son of Horace and Harriet (Upham) Cutting. He was born
in Sturbridge, Mass., March 24, 1840. He fitted for college at
Dudley Academy. He was graduated at Amherst College in
1863, and Hartford Theological Seminary in 1866. As a licen-
tiate he preached in Hadlyme about a year. He was ordained
in Ledyard, June 25, 1868. Very early in his ministry the com-
munity was visited by one of the most powerful revivals of re-
ligion ever experienced here. It extended into every part of
the parish, and reached all classes of people — ^the old, the middle-
aged and the young, and not a few who had been but little
accustomed to attend upon the public services of religion. As
a result of this revival the membership of the Church was very
largely increased- In 1868 the total membership, as reported

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

39

upon the minutes, was only 65. In 1869 it was 171. As is
usual in such cases some fell away after the exciting scenes amid

which they were wrought
upon had passed by. Still a
goodly number persevered ;
and some became very
stable and consistent mem-
bers. Among the instru-
mentalities through which
this revival was brought
about the earnest labors of
the young pastor were
quite prominent. So the
co-operation of neighbor-
ing ministers — especially
Messrs. Dana and Merri-
man, oi Norwich — was
greatly blessed. Then, too,
the members of the Church
were unusually active. And
the young converts alsO' —
as they were brought in one after another — took hold of the work
with great enthusiasm. Yet very much doubtless depended
upon the good seed that had been sown in faith and hope and
prayer all along through previous years. Father Tuttle, during
the closing portion of his life, often expressed the earnest desire
that he might live to witness another revival. Though he was
called away before the revival came, his prayers doubtless stood
very closely connected with it. And what is here said of him
may also be said of others who^ had long been members of the
Church and deeply interested in its welfare. A few years after
Mr. Cutting's labors began here the Hon. Henry Bill, of Nor-
wich, donated to the parish the parsonage, which has since been
occupied by the ministers. It was the home' of Mr. Bill's child-
hood, and had been sold out of the family several years previous.
Mr. Bill bought it back again — thoroughly renovated the house
— built a new barn and out-buildings, and gave the whole to the

Rev. Chabx.es Cutting.

40 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Society, to be the dwelling-place of their ministers. For more
than twenty years the Bill Library Association held its meetings
in this house, and here, in a large hall, whose walls are hung
with portraits of prominent citizens of the place, the annual
library dinner was served. After leaving the place, in Sept.,
1881, Mr. Cutting served the Church in Montville till 1891.

The Bill, Parsonage.

He then removed to Whitneyyille, where he was settled in 1891,
and dismissed in 1893. While living at Whitneyville, as a re-
tired minister, he was attacked by Bright's disease and valvular
disease of the heart, which terminated his life, Dec. 24, 1894, at
the age of 54 years and 9 months. Mr. Cutting was married
Oct. 31, 1878, to Jessica Anna, daughter of Deacon William
and Jessica (McKenzie) Campbell, of Philadelphia, Pa. Of their
four children, two daughters and one son are livino-. The
widow, with her children, are at the present time in New Haven,
Conn,

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 4 1

Tlie next minister was

Rev. John Avery,

son of Robert Stanton and Sally (Crary) Avery, born at Preston,
Aug. 19, 1819. Like other farmers' boys he spent the summers

working on the farm
— the winters in the
district school. In
1836 he began to
study Latin with
Rev. Mr. Tuttle, of
Ledyard. He com-
pleted his prepara-
tion foT college at
the Norwich Town
High School and
Bacon Academy,
Colchester. He was
graduated from Yale
College in 1843 ^^'^
Yale Divinity
School in 1847. He
taught school quite
a number of terms
between the commencement and completion of his educational
course. He was ordained pastor of the Exeter Church, Leba-
non, June 21, 1848, and held the position' 25 years. Toward the
close of this pastoTate — in the year 1870 — he was a representa-
tive from the town of Lebanon in the Connecticut Legislature.
Soon after closing his work in Lebanon, in 1873, he became act-
ing pastor of the Church in Central Village, and held the office
between five and six years ; and then sustained the same relation
to the Church in West Woodstock three years. He began his
labors in Ledyard in Nov., 1881, and closed them April i, 1892.
Early in his ministry here— in the autumn of 1882 — the town
was thoroughly canvassed by an agent oi the Connecticut Bible
Society. One result oi this canvass was that it placed upon the

Rev. John Avert.

42 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

pastor's calling list no less than ii6 families — a number nearly
twice as large as wais commonly regarded as connected with the
parish. Yet he called upon everyone of these families, and, as
long as he lived in the place, continued to call upon them from
time to time, and to hold religious meetings in school-houses and
private dwellings that were easily accessible by all of them. In
very many of them he was called to officiate at weddings and on
funeral occasions. Among the important events that occurred
during Mr. Avery's ministry were the painting of the parsonage
and barn in i883^the introduction of new hymn books in 1885 —
the painting of the Church outside and in — the frescoing of the
interior and providing it with new carpets and cushions — ^the
work begun in 1886 and completed in 1887 — the purchase of a
new organ in 1888, at an expense of $182, $50 being paid by
d single individual. Miss Hannah Norman — the commencement,
early in 1892, of the beautiful and commodious structure, in
which the Bill Library has found a permanent home every way
suited to its need.

It should be added that the Church was struck by lightning
on Sunday morning, Oct. 19, 1892 — ^the building injured to the
amount of $125 (which was covered by insurance), the minis-
ter's horse killed outright, and his daughter, Miss Mary A.
Avery, so seriously injured that several months had elapsed be-
fore she had fully recovered. Since removing from the place
and taking up his residence in Norwich Mr. Avery has frequently
been called back to attend weddings and . funerals, and to assist
on anniversary occasions. On the fiftieth anniversary of his
ordination he preached in the Church where he was ordained ;
and he still continues to respond to calls for his ministerial serv-
ices whenever they are presented.

Mr. Avery was married Nov. 6, 1851, to Miss Susan Cham-
pion, of Old Lyme. They have had three daughters, only one
of whom survives.

The present pastor,

Rev. Albert Edward Kinmouth,

of Scotch-English parentage, was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1846.

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

43

He was educated at Queen's University, and Weslyan Theologi-
cal Seminary, Belfast — admitted to the British Weslyan Confer-
ence in 1870, and for more
than two years was As-
sistant Secretary of the
British Home and Foreign
Missionary Societies. He
came fro^m London to this
country in 1873, with th-j
view of going as a mission-
ary to Japan ; but, deciding
to remain here, he was or-
dained at Carthage, N. Y.,
in 1874. He has had pas-
torates at Seneca Falls,
Oswegoi Falls, Pulaski and
West Newfield, N. Y.—
also Greenwich and Mont-
ville,. Conn. He began his
work in Ledyard in 1893;
and during his ministry a
Y. P. S. C. E. has been organized and well sustained; a goodly
number of young people — sixteen at one time — have united with
the Church; and $7,100.00 have been added to the permanent
funds of the Society. The platform in the Church was lowered
in 1890, and the interior of the Church re-frescoed in 1898. Mr.
Kinmouth is living with his second wife, who was Miss Bellows,
from Seneca Falls. By the first wife he had four children, and
by the second, four. Two daughters have married in Ledyard,
and the eldest of these has died.

Deacons of the Church : Warren Williams, Russel Gallup,
Erastus Gallup, Jonathan B. Beckwith, Nathan S. Gallup, Isaac
G. Geer, Russel Gallup.

The Sunday-school.

Though the Simday-school is a comparatively recent institu-
tion the ends which it aims to secure were previously sought in

Rev. a. E. Kinmouth.

44 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

different ways. This matter is well-stated by Mr. William T.
Cook, in a sketch of the life of his grand-father, Rev. Timothy
Tuttle. He uses the following language : "Before the formation
of the Sabbath-school, the young people met their pastor once
in two weeks to recite the Assembly's Catechism. A Sabbath-
school was organized about 1818. The manner in which it was
conducted was entirely different from modern Sabbath-schools.
The children were required to learn verses from the Bible, and
hymns ; the pastor heard the recitations, and a young man, Mr.
Norman L. Chester, who was studying with him, kept an account
of the number learned. At the close of the school in autumn
scholars were paid in books, at the rate of the value of a penny
for ten verses from the Bible, and the same for twenty verses of
hymns. Three little girls, Sally Sterry, Anna Billings and
Tabitha Lamb, recited each one thousand verses from the Bible,
and each received a Bible as a reward.

After several years a proposition was made to establish a
Sabbath-school library ; some of the young ladies started a sub-
scription paper and obtained the sum of seven dollars, with which
to commence a library.

At the close of the Sabbath-school for the winter, a Bible
class for young people took its place, the pastor prepared ques-
tions, and copies of them were distributed among the members
of the class, who were expected to prepare answers in writing,
and read them at the class meeting. From these small begin-
nings the Sabbath-school has increased till it has embraced
nearly all the members of the coiigregation, and has obtained the
name of 'The Banner Sabbath-school of the State.' "

The following gentlemen have held the office of superin-
tendent : Deacon Warren Williams, Henrv W. Avery, Moses
Norman, Jacob A. Geer, Col. Samuel W. Wood, Col. Elias W.
Brown, Israel Allyn, Dea. Jonathan B. Beckwith, Dea. Nathan
Sands Gallup, George Fanning, John M. Gray.

Invested Funds.

The funds of the Church and Society — the income of which
may be used for defraying the annual expenses — amount to

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 45

about $12,000. The origin of them dates back to 1808. In that
year a lottery, authoTized by the State, netted $2,000. In 1825,
William H. Woodbridge bequeathed $500, on condition that the
Church and Society would raise as much more. This condition
being complied with $1,000 was realized. In 1836, the United
States revenue was in excess of the expenditures, and the amount
of the excess was, by act of Congress, divided among the States.
This State received over three-fourths of a million of dollars.
This last named sum was distributed among the towns un condi-
tion that one-half at least of the annual income be expended upon
the common schools. This town, it seems, devoted $300 of its
share to this Ecclesiastical Society. About i860, it was found
that the income of the Society had, for several years, more than
paid expenses ; and the surplus, amounting to $500, was added
to the permanent investments.. Since then the following be-
quests have been received : In 1875, from Sidney A. Roach,
$1,000. In 1872, from Mrs. Ichabod Chapman, $100. In 1896,.
from Miss Eliza B. Geer, $100. In 1897, from Israel AUyn,
$1,000. In 1898, from Charles Bill, $1,000. In the same year,
1898, a gift of $5,000, the largest that was ever made to the in-
vested funds, was received from Miss Sarah Norman.

CHAPTER III.
The Episcopal Church.

An Episcopal organization, bearing th-e name of St. James'
Church, was started here in the latter part of the year 1734. Rev.

St. James' Episcopal Church.

Ebenezer Punderson, who had been, for four or five years, pastor
of the Congregational Church, was the prime mover in the enter-
prise. The house of worship stood on Church Hill, about a mile
and a half north-east of the Church at the Center, and some three
miles south-east of the village of Poquetanuck. The parsonage
connected Math it stood on the lane that leads westward from the
present Bill parsonage, and was pulled down by Rev. Chas.
Cutting. "It was the first Church parsonage in America." Tlie

THE EPISCOPAL CtlURCH. 47

lot in which the Church stood was used as a cemetery, in accord-
ance with an old-time English custom. The records of this
Church, up to the- time of the Revolutionary War, were lost.
Hence its early history is quite obscure. Extracts from the re-
ports which Mr. Punderson made to the Missionary Society in
England, which paid a part of his salary, are still extant; and
some of them seem to indicate that the Church was quite pros-
perous. In one of these reports, dated June i8, 1739, he says
that "there has been a great increase in the number of my
parishioners, and a corresponding change in the temper of dis-
senting brethren ; many of whom, from being haters and revilers
of the Church and her clergy have been brought tO' occasionally
attend her services. On last Christmas, and on a Lord's Day
afterwards, more than four hundred persons of sober and devout
behavior, were present in the Church, many of whom had been
bitter enemies." Mr. Punderson drew a portion of his former
flock with him into Episcopacy. Some "ten or twelve Congre-
gational people — heads of families — signed his papers, and con-
tributed money to bear his expenses when he went to England
to be ordained." Probably all of these, and very likely others
with them, were his friends and supporters after his return.
Though the Episcopal movement began to take to itself definite
shape and form as early as 1734, it is probable that the Church
edifice was not erected quite as early as that. Very likely, how-
ever, it was within two or three years, though the precise date
has not come down to its. This edifice stood where it was first
located till 1785, when it was taken down, moved to Poque-
tanuck, and re-erected on Single Point, just south of the village.
Since that date it has been succeeded by twoi Church edifices,
erected one after the other, a little east of the village — the last
in the year 1898. As to the number of persons connected with
this Church, in the earlier portion of its history, Mr. Punderson
at one time reported that there were 104 male members over
sixteen years of age. Among them were "five each of the names
of Williams and Rode (Rood?) ; three each of the name of Ames,
Geer, Hide, Minor, Park, Rose, Pelton, Spicer, Starkweather,
Stoddard and Waterman ; two each of the names of Capron,

48 HISTORY OP" THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Crouch, Forsee (Forsyth), Hillam, Lee, Turner, Wilkinson and
Willo'Ughby. The single names were Allyn, Ashcraft, Barker,
Lassett, Liarnard, Bennett, Bordish, Button, Qeveland, Cramer,
Davis, Dean, Dickinson, Dood, Downing, Doyle, Fanning,
Fountain, Frink, Gray, Grist, Hancock, Holdridge, Holly,
Houghton, Hutchinson, Larkin, Lancasta, Leeds, Malason, Mc-
Cloiughton, Meach, Norton, Nuton (Newton), Parish, Randal,
Ranger, Raynolds, Rouse, Samson, Thiton, Utley, Welsh, Wick-
wire and Weeks."

[See Re\'. X. A. Welton's article in Episcopal Herald for
July, 1891].

CHAPTER IV.
The Separatist Church.

One result of "The Great Awakening," which began in the
early forties of the last century, was the formation of Separate
Churches in various parts of the country, but especially here in
Eastern Connecticut. There was hardly a town, either- in New
London or Windham Counties which did not have one or more
of these churches within its borders. The state of things, in the
older churches, had come to be such that a change for the better
was demanded ; and some of the clearer headed and more spirit-
ually-minded members were beginning to see it. These churches
though they had previously been in a much better condition,
were now rapidly drifting into formalism. The Half- Way Cove-
nant plan, which permitted parents, of fair moral character, who
were not church-members, to have their children baptized, and,
in so^me churches, to partake of the communion, had been wide-
ly adopted. The feeling seemed to be everywhere gaining
ground, that the outward observance of the rites and forms of
religion was all that was required, and that the spiritual renova-
tion of the heart was altogether unnecessary. It was this gen-
eral drift of things, away from the high standards set up and
m'aintained by the first settlers in the country and their more
immediate successors, that roused the spirits of Edwards, White-
field and their co-adjutors, and called forth from them such
earnest protests and such thrilling appeals that "The Great
Awakening" was the result; The hearts of these conspicuous
leaders in the work were fired with the loftiest enthusiasm ; and
their preaching was of such a character that immense numbers
of people, in every walk in life, were intensely moved by it. Very
soon movements were set on foot which resulted in serious divi-

4

50 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

sions in many of the churches, and at length in the formationi of
Separate Churches in the same communities with the Churches
of the Standing Order. The followers of the Reformers, in their
aspirations after greater spirituality and a higher style of Chris-
tian living, were often over-zealous and fanatical in their pro-
ceedings, while those who did not adopt their views were often
excessively conservative in their action. Hence, in nearly all
the churches, there were opposing parties which were frequently
in violent conflict with each other. And whenever a separation
took place the Conservatives succeeded in retaining possession
of the Church already established, and the Reformers were
obliged to establish a new church. And then there were long
and bitter controversies between the two. The Conservatives had
everything in their favor, so far as law and authority and prec-
edent were concerned ; the Reformers were obliged to work at
tremendous disadvantage. The storm-center of this violent
commotion, here in Eastern Connecticut, was in the town of
Canterbury. Here a young man, John Qeveland by name, a
student in Yale College, was expelled from that institution for
attending a Separate meeting with his parents during his vaca-
tion. A prominent citizen, Mr. Elisha Paine, a lawyer by pro-
fession, for espousing the cause of the Separates, and laboring to
promote it, was imprisoned for months in the Windham County
jail. Very many persons, for declining to pay the "minister's
tax," which was levied upon them for the support of the minis-
ter of the old established Church, had various articles of property
taken from them by due process of law — sold at public auction,
and the whole amount of money received — ^whether more or
less — retained by the ofiScials — not a penny returned to the right-
ful owners. Says Miss Larned, in her "Historic Gleanings in
Windham County, Conn. :" "Separates were excluded from
town offices; men of substance and character, like Obadiah
Johnson, of Canterbury, when elected representative to the As-
sembly by a majority of his fellow-citizens, was not allowed to
take his seat because- of holding the office of deacon in the re-
bellious church. Ordained Separate ministers were shut up in
jail for joining in marriage their own church members. Bap-

THE SEPARATIST CHURCH. 51

tistns and marriages performed by them were pronounced illegal.
And worse than all in its effects, touching all classes, were the
rates extorted for the support of the established churches. In
the eyes of the law each Separate was still a member of the
parish in which he resided, and obliged to pky for the support
of its stated religious worship. Refusing to pay, his goiods were
forcibly taken by the collector, and, however much exceeding
the amount due, no overplus was ever returned. If goods were
insufficient the men were carried to prison. These were the days
of Connecticut's 'religious persecution,' not bloody, indeed, but
most harrassing and persistent. All over the colony were heard
the cries of these afflicted Separates — men dragged tO' jail by
force, wives and children left helpless at home. Instances of
special hardship are noted, the poor man's only cow driven away
from his door, the meat or grain laid up for winter sustenance
carried off by the merciless collector. Windham jail was so
crowded with victims as to require an additional story. In Nor-
wich, where there was a strong New Light element, the contest
was very bitter. The venerable mother of the church historian.
Rev. Isaac Backus, was taken from her home and confined thir-
teen days in jail for refusing to pay her church rate" (pp. 42, 43).
It was long before the liberty for which these Separate people
contended was secured. Concessions were made to the Baptists,
the Episcopalians, and the Quakers, long before they were to
them. In due time, however, the ends which they sought were
obtained. "The voluntary principle" in the support of religion
was universally accepted. And the churches of every name and
denomination were left perfectly free to govern themselves in
whatever ways they chose — to make whatever spiritual attain-
ments seemed to them desirable ; all this without any interference
from the State or from any rival religious denomination. It is an
historic fact, therefore, not to be overlooked, that this town once
had a Separate Church within its bounds, and that that church
was in hearty sympathy and cordial co-operation with a large
number of sister churches, scattered all over the country, each
one of them cootending earnestly for those broad principles of
religious liberty which, more than anything else, help to make

52 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

our land the glory of all lands. At what time the Separate
Church here was formed we do not definitely know. Mr. Tuttle,
in his forty-eighth anniversary sermon, says it was probably
"some time between 1742 and 1748." On Nov. 14, 1751, Na-
thaniel Brown, Jr., was ordained as its pastor, and held the office
about four years. He was probably a native of the place. His
successor was Park Allyn, who was born here, June 15, 1733, and
died Feb. 13, 1804. He lived in the house now occupied by Mr.
Amos G. Avery. Nothing has come down to us indicating that
he had, a long continued ministry or any permanent successor,
though services, conducted by different persons, continued to- be
held. The church edifice stood a little to the west of the house
of Mr. A. G. Avery; and the step-stone is there to- this day.
The building was removed to Gale's Ferry in 1803 ; and, for
more than fifty years, standing where the Methodist Church now
stands, was occupied by the Methodist people as their place of
worship. Nearly the whole of the ministry of Rev. Ralph Hurl-
butt was accomplished in that church. It gave place to l:he
present Methodist Church in 1857.

CHAPTER V.

The Methodist Episcopal Church

At Gale's Ferry.

Methodism seems to have gained little, if any, focrthold in

New England, until after the close of the Revolutionary War

in 1783.

The descendants of the Pilgrims were Orthodox Congrega-

tionalists, and f O' r
many years, no man
could vote or hold of-
fice unless he was a
member of a Church
of "The Standing Or-
der."

The land was di-
vided into "Parishes,"
and the clergy were
maintained by public
tax. Jesse Lee, born
in Virginia, in 1758,
entered the itinerant
ministry of the Meth-
odist denomination in
1783, and was ap-
pointed to preach in

New England at the New York Conference of 1789.

He preached the first Metho'dist sermon, in New London,

in the court house (now standing), at early candle light, on Sept.

2, 1789, and the first Methodist sermon in Norwich, at the house

of Mrs. Thankful Pierce, on June 25, 1790.

On August II, 1793 a conference was held, at Tolland, at

Methodist Episcopal, Church, Gale's Ferrt.

54 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

which George Roberts was placed as Elder in charge of a circuit
that covered nearly the same territory that is now known as the
Norwich District of the New England Southern Conference.
Elder Roberts, whO' is said to have exhibited "extraordinary
pulpit power," appears to have preached a sermon, in the open
air, to a large congregation, at Gale's Ferry, in July, 1793. This
was followed by occasional preaching by different men, and it is
presumed that R. Swain and Fredus Aldrige, who' were junior
preachers, at that time, might have been among the number.

In 1803, Gale's Ferry was taken into the New London circuit,
and in May of that year, a class was formed, consisting of eight
persons, namely — Ralph Hurlbutt, Jonathan Stoddard and wife,
Nathan Avery and wife, Hannah Hurlbutt, Lucy Hurlbutt and
Lydia Stanton. Ralph Hurlbutt was appointed class-leader and
eleven more names were added to the class during the year.

About this time, the Separatist Congregational Church, which
stood on the road leading from Gale's Ferry to Ledyard Center,
near the present residence, in 1900, of Amos G. Avery, was taken
down, removed and rebuilt, on a little elevation of land, near the
residence of Rev. Ralph Hurlbutt ; where it remained and was
occupied as a place of worship, until 1857.

Among the early preachers at Gale's Ferry in the former
part of the nineteenth century, we find the names of Amos T.
Thompson, Jesse Stoneman, Daniel Ostrander, Timothy Dewey
and LorenzO' Dow.

In 1806, Ralph Hurlbutt, son of Rufus Hurlbutt, who was
killed at Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781, was licensed to exhort,
and he obtained a local preacher's license in 1810. Ralph Hurl-
butt seemed to have been a more than ordinary man, in his day
and generation, for in addition to his being a Methodist preacher
with a power to sway the minds of his audiences, we hear of
him in the capacity of school-master, farmer, justice of the peace,
money-lender, administrator of the estates of deceased persons,
and he was quite extensively known, and also feared, more or
less by the degenerate, and was generally spoken of by all classes,
in the vernacular of those times, as, "The Square," or "Square
Hurlbutt," . ■ -i

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

55

Being industrious, frugal, temperate and intelligent he
naturally became more thrifty than those of opposite traits, and

when once in a general
conversation, in a store in
the vicinity, where both
wet and dry groceries were
vended, the question as to
the probability of "land in
the moon," was being dis-
cussed, one man wittily re-
marked that he could settle
that question by asking
Square Hurlbutt, for if
there were land in the
moon, the Square had a
mortgage on it.

Ralph Hurlbutt's wife
was Polly Jones, daughter
of John Jones, an immi-
grant from Wales, who
married Sarah Boles, and
her memory is revered, as that of a most excellent woman. She
had a sister, Judith, who married Elijah Newton, and became the
mother of John J. Newton, who married Charity Norman, one
of the Norman family, whoi in recent years have contributed
$3,000 as a permanent fund, the interest of which is applied to
the support of preaching in the Gale's Ferry Church.

Ralph Hurlbutt and wife, for many years seem tO' have kept
a "Methodist minister's tavern," or, in other words, to^ have
sheltered, lodged and fed, the circuit preachers, who happened
around from 1810 to 1840, and during that time, on 'alternate
Sundays or more often, Rev. Ralph Hurlbutt preached the Gos-
pel without charge for his services.

From 1840 to 1846, other ministers assisted Mr. Hurlbutt,
and since 1846 the Church has been supplied with preaching by
Conference appointments.

Other donations and bequests, besides those of the Norman

Rev. Ralph Hurlbutt.

^6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

family, previously mentioned, the first $ioo of which was by
Phillis Daniels, a colored woman, whose mother was a slave, by
dififerent individuals, at sundry times, have helped to establish
the permanent fund for the support of preaching, the total
amount of which, at present writing, is about $4,000.

In 1857, during the pastorate of Rev. Jesse E. Heald, Chris-
topher Allyn, John E. Perkins and Ralph Scott Stoddard were
constituted a building committee, and the present Church edifice
was constructed by Courtland Chapman and Nelson Gallup, at
a cost of $3,221. The subscription being inadequate to meet the
expense of building, the committee assumed the debt of $969.75,
which amount was cancelled, by voluntary subscriptions, a few
years later, mainly by the persistent efforts of Rev. Warren
Emerson.

The new Church edifice was dedicated in October, 1857. ^^
has a seating capacity for 250 people, is nicely frescoed, carpeted
and cushioned, and with necessary repairs, as occasion demands,
ought to be a co^mfortable place of worship for many future
ye'ars.

The parsonage, which stands a short distance to the west of
the Church, is a fairly comfortable dwelling place for the
preacher in charge. The main part was built a little previous to
1850, and two ells have since been added, the last at an expense
of some $400, during the pastorate of Rev. W. A. Taylor.

Both Church and parsonage are unencumbered by debt and
are kept insured.

The following is a list of the Conference appointees since 1846.
as nearly as can be readily ascertained :

Daniel Dorchester, 1846. L. D. Bentley, 1858-59

, Dickson, 1848. David Bradbury, 1860-62

Jesse Denison, 1850. Warren Emerson, 1863-65

Dunham, 1851. G. D. Boynton, 1866-67

E. F. Hinks, 1852. D. G. Ashley, 1868-70

O. Huse, 1853. J- M. Worcester, 1871-73

J. W. Case, 1854-55- F.C. Newell, 1874-75

J. E. Heald, 1856-57. Wm, Turkington, 1876-78

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 57

Nelson Goodrich, 1879-81. Thos. Denman, 1892-94.

Wm. Turkington, 1882-84. John Q. Adams, 1895-96.

C. H. Dalrymple, 1885-86. J. B. Ackley, 1897.

Wm. A. Taylor, 1887-91.

The present membership of the Church in January, 1900, is
as follows: Members in full connection, 51; Probationers, 22.

The Church officials at the same date are :

Trustees : C. A. Satterlee, D. C. Perkins, Tliomas Latham,
C. A. Brown, N. B. Allyn, Elmer Tubbs, C. E. Colver, C. H.
Chapman, Henry Hurlbutt.

Stewards : C. A. Brown, C. H. Chapman, E. E. Tubbs, D.
C. Perkins, C. E. Colver, Mrs. Lucy Palmer, Mrs. Sarah Perkins,
Mrs. Sarah Latham, Mrs. Frances Rogers, Mrs. Lydia Maynard,
Mrs. Susan Satterlee, Mrs. Hannah I. Chapman and Mrs. Kate
B. Colver.

Sunday-school : Superintendent, Courtland Colver ; As-
sistant Superintendent, D. C. Perkins ; Secretary and Treasurer,
Miss Alice Satterlee; Librarian, Elmer Satterlee; Organist, Mrs.
H. Chapman.

Teachers: Rev. J. B. Ackley, Kate B. Colver, Mrs. S. E.
Latham, Hattie Brown, Laura A. Perkins, Bertha Maynard, C.
H. Chapman, Fanny R. Hurlbutt, Mrs. Hannah L Chapman.

The Church has had its season of spiritual refreshing when
several have been added to its membership. The most promi-
nent revivals occurred in 1814, 1815, 1816, 1818, 1820, 1833, 1841,
1868, 1875, 1884, and 1899.

[T. L.]

CHAPTER VI.

The Baptist Church.

In Oct., 1842, a movement was set on foot to organize a
Baptist Cliurch in the town of Ledyard. The first decisive step

taken was a petition to the
First Baptist Church in
Groton, signed by twenty
persons — ten males and
ten females — all of them
members of said Church,
praying that they might be
permitted to organize as a
branch of the Church of
which they were already
members. Steps were taken
also with reference to the
ordination of Mr. Stephen
H. Peckham as pastor of
the proposed branch
Church. On March 2,
1843, a council, composed
of ministers and delegates
from neighboring Baptist Churches, met at the house of Mr.
Aaron Brown, and, after due deliberation, decided to organize
the Church, and ordain Mr. Peckham. Public services were
held ; a sermon preached by B. Cook ; other parts by E. Denison,
B. F. Hayden and A. Avery.

The names of the persons who' signed the petition for the
formation of a. new Church were as follows : Stephen H. Peck-
ham, Albert Brown, Aaron Brown, Ellas Brown, Daniel Brown,

Elder Peckham.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 59

Avery W. Brown, Thomas Prosser, Randall Holdredge, Daniel
Main, Robert Willcox, Esther Peckham, Lois Main, Mary
Brown, Annis Brown, Anna Prosser, Harriet Stanton, Lura Ann
Barnes, Caroline Woodmancy, Mercy Brown, Emeline F. Hold-
redge.

Within a few months after the formation of the Church, there
were additions which carried the membership up to about forty.

A house of worship was felt to be a necessity, and arrange-
ments were made for building. The result was consummated
before the close of the year. The church edifice, located about
a mile and a half north-east of the Congregational Church at the
Centre, was dedicated Nov. 21, 1843. The cost of the edifice
was about $1,000. In raising this amount considerable aid was
received from outside.

Elder Peckham received no regular salary. The people met
at his house about once a year, and made him presents, whose
annual value varied from $20. tO' $40. in money, with other arti-
cles useful in his family.

There were frequent, though never very large, accessions to
the Church. The largest number belonging tO' it at any one
time was ninety-seven.

Discipline was maintained in the Church, as the records
abundantly show. Members were called to account for their
delinquencies, and, failing to give satisfaction, were cut off ; and,
whenever proper amends were made, they were restored.

Elder Peckham held the office of pastor up to the time of his
death, which occurred, Dec. 18, 1863. There were only a few
Sabbaths, near the close of his life, on which he was unable to
officiate.

Rev. Stephen Hazard Peckham was born in Ledyard in 1805,
the youngest of fifteen children. His parents were Benjamin
and Lucy (Wilcox) Peckham. He was thrice married. First,
to Phebe Esther Barber, Nov. 20, 1825. By her he had three
sons and four daughters. She died April 4, 1843. On Nov.
30, 1843, he was married- to^ Phebe F. Gates, who bore him one
son and two daughters, and died Nov. 15, 1849. His third mar-
riage was to Almira Holdredge, Sept. 2, 1850, by whom he had

6o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

three daughters. While pastor of the Church, Elder Peckham
lived in the house at the foot of Rose Hill, which has since been
owned by Mr. John Main ; and later, in the house which his son,
Stephen H. Peckham, Jr., took down a few years since and re-
placed by a new one. Since the death of this faithful and beloved
pastor, the Church has had no regular minister for any great
length of time. Sometimes the meeting-house has been closed
for several months in succession. Then, again, services have
been held with considerable regularity, conducted by ministers
or lay-preachers from neighboring places. The names of some
of them are M. G. Smith, P. Kinney, Elder Tilness, A. E. Gofif,
Vine A. Starr, Lorenzo Williams Tillinghast. At present, Mr.
Frank S. Robbins, of Preston, holds a service on the third
Sabbath of each month. The names of the men who have held
the office of deacon in the Church are John Myers, Thomas
Prosser, Nelson Chapman, Stephen H. Peckham, Jr., John Ben-
nett. In 1892-3, the church was shingled and otherwise repaired
at an expense of over $70.00.

CHAPTER VII.
The Rogerene Quakers

Made their appearance in New London in the year 1674.
Their leader, John Rogers, belonged to a prosperous and in-
fluential family that had, for quite a number of years, been con-
nected with the First Church of Christ in that place. After
breaking off from the Church of the Standing Order and adopting
peculiar views and peculiar practices, they still continued tO' be
orthodox in respect to many of the essential doctrines of the
Gospel. As Dr. Blake, in his "History of the First Church of
Christ in New London," says of them : "They held toi salvation
by faith in Jesus Christ, to the Trinity, to the necessity of the
new birth, to the resurrection of the just and the unjust, and to
an eternal judgment." Some of the respect in which they dif-
fered in belief from the Christian people, among whom they
dwelt, were these: They held and stoutly maintained that all
days were alike; that the Sabbath was no more sacred than other
time; that the established ministry of the Gospel, with its paid
officials, was an abomination; that a place for public worship,
where people might assemble statedly to be instructed in spiritual
things and to engage in prayer and praise, was an unnecessary
and indeed a very improper thing. As Dr. Blake has expressed it :
"They regarded a church-tower, a pulpit, a cushioned pew, a
church, a salaried minister, in a black suit of clothes, with peculiar
aversion. * * * They did not believe in the use of medicines
for the recovery of health ; nor in any civil or religious rite in
marriage." If they had simply adopted and adhered to these
peculiar beliefs, without any offensive demonstrations of them in
opposition to the beliefs and practices of other people, there .
might have been no serious collisions between themselves and

62 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEdVArD.

those from whom they differed. But they were not content to
do this. On the contrary, they felt themselves called upon to
interfere with, and, sO' far as lay in their power, tO' obstruct and
hinder the religious observances of those whose views and
practices were at variance with their own. For this purpose they
would hang around the doors of churches Sabbath mornings,
and do things calculated to annoy the people, and especially the
ministers, who entered. They would make boisterous and offen-
sive noises under the open windows and in the porches of the
churches, while the people were engaged in worship. Their
women would walk into the churches with their spinning wheels,
take their places in the aisles, and proceed with their work in the
presence of the congregations, and in the very midst of the serv-
ices. And some would even go so far as to rise up in the con-
gregation, while the minister was preaching, and contradict what
he was saying. Dr. McEwen, giving a historic sketch of these
proceedings, uses the following language : "They regarded wor-
ship performed on the first day of the week as a species of
idolatry, which they ought to oppose. They held it to be their
special mission tO' destroy priestcraft. In carrying out their
peculiar notions, they used a variety of measures to disturb those
who were assem'bled for public worship on the Lord's day.
They traveled about in small companies, and entered churches
and other places of worship in a rude and boisterous manner,
and sometimes engaged in different kinds of manual labor in
order to break up and interrupt the religious services." Says
Dr. Blake : "They would often rise up in worshipping assem-
blies and interrupt the preacher and call him a hireling, accuse
him of making merchandise of the flock, telling the people that
they were sunk in the mire of idolatry, and entangled in the net
of anti-Christ, and calling the preacher a liar, if he said anything
which they did not believe. They even went so far as to rush
into church and interrupt the preacher to declare their violations
of the laws respecting the keeping of holy time. Bathsheba Fox,
a sister of John Rogers, went openly to church to proclaim that
she had been doing servile work on the Christian Sabbath. John
Rogers went with her, and interrupted the preacher to proclaim

THE ROGERENE QUAKERS. 63

a similar offence. On one occasion he trundled a wheel-barrow
into the porch of the church during divine service." (Pages
83-4). John Rogers took it upon himself tO' show his defiance
of all laws and statutes in regard toi marriage in this way. After
his first wife, Elisabeth Griswold, had been divorced from him
and he had lived withotit a wife for twenty-five years, he assumed
to marry himself to his maid-servant by going into the county
court and there, in the presence of the court and a great crowd
of spectators, declaring that he and the woman he had with
him were husband and wife ; and presently going to the honse of
the Governor, and repeating the same performance there. So^me
time after this, as Mr. Rogers and his soi-called bride were walk-
ing upon the street they fell in with Rev. Gurdon Saltonstall,
the pastor of the Church to which Mr. Rogers had formerly be-
longed. Mr. Saltonstall questioned them as to the report in cir-
culation of their being married, and said : "Why, John, do yon
mean to say that you take this woman to be your wife?" "I do,"
said Mr. Rogers.. And turning tO' the woman, Mr. Saltonstall
addressed a similar question to her : "Do you mean tO' say that
you take this man, who is so much older than yourself, to be
your husband?" "I do," said she. "Well, then," said Mr. Sal-
tonstall, "I pronounce you husband and wife — united in mar-
riage according to the laws of this colony." The Quaker, seeing
that the minister had stolen the march upon him, and that he
was now legally married, in spite of his determination not to be,
could only reply : "Ah, Gurdon, thou art a cunning creature."

As many of the things done by these people were not only
out of harmony with all the decencies and proprieties of civilized
society, but were also open and defiant violations of statute law,
the penalties of the law were visited upon them. The penalties
inflicted were at first comparatively light; but were increased as
the contest continued; and, in some cases, amounted in the ag-
gregate to large sums of money, and long and weary months
spent in prison. It is said that John Rogers, after he began to
proclaim his peculiar views and to act openly in accordance witli
them, spent nearly one-third of his life in prison. Writing upon
the subject in 1706 he used the following language: "I have

64 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

been sentenced to pay hundreds of pounds, laid in iron chains,
cruelly scourged, endured long imprisonments, set in the stocks
many hours together, &c." According to the testimony of his
son his sufferings continued through the long period of forty-five
years.

As we look back over this history we wonder, perhaps, that
such events as it records could ever have happened in this "land
of steady habits ;" wonder that these people could become so
perfectly infatuated, and that the magistrates, administering the
civil government, could proceed to such extremes in its treatment
of them. And we may well rejoice that the times have so greatly
changed, and this so decidedly for the better. The parties that
were in such violent conflict with each other, here upon New
London County soil, over two hundred years agO', still survive
in the persons of their successors. But the contest between them
has long since passed away. Peace now reigns where strife and
contention and violence once prevailed. Quite a community,
made up of the successors of those old-time Rogerenes, or
Quakers, as they are more commonly called in our day, still
live, and for a good many years have lived in the south-east por
tion of the town of Ledyard. They are a peaceable and pros-
perous people, and maintain friendly relations with the people
who live among them and around them. They are still quite
inclined to live isolated from others in many things. They have
their own views of religion ; their o>wn meeting-house ; their own
modes of worship ; their own Sabbath-school ; and their own ways
of doing things generally. They are in the main industrious,
peaceable and honest, and inclined to let other people have their
own ways, provided that other people will let them have theirs.
Formerly, they refused to have anything to do with politics;
re'fused to go to the polls to vote ; refused to pay taxes ; refused
toiaear arms. Some of these peculiarities have in recent years
been partially laid aside. In the Civil War some of their young
men enlisted as soldiers, and several laid down their lives in their
country's service. The children are now educated in the public
schools, and several of the young people have become successful
teachers. Two or three of their young ladies'have done well in

THE ROGERENE QUAKERS. 65

the line of authorship. One is a gifted and widely-known
poetess. Quite a number of their young men, and young women,
too, have married into other than Quaker families. The result
of this has been that considerable numbers have, in a measure,
at least, broken away from the Quaker faith.

The old-time prejudice against churches and ministers,
though still retained by some, is slowly wearing off with the ris-
ing generation. Whenever a marriage ceremony is to^ be cele-
brated, generally a clergyman is called in to officiate. At
funerals also a minister of the Gospel is generally requested to
take charge of the service. With few exceptions they are strong-
ly opposed to war ; and have for many years been putting forth
strenuous efforts to promote universal peace among men. 'They
hold an annual Peace Meeting, so-called, on the banks of the
Mystic river, just south of the village of Old Mystic. The meet-
ing occurs in the month of August — is continued for three suc-
cessive days — and brings together from the whole surrounding"
region large numbers of people. The services are held in a plain,
yet spacious and well-arranged structure bearing the name of
Temple of Peace. It is located on a hill-top in a beautiful grove.
Distinguished speakers from abroad are usually present to par-
ticipate in the exercises.

In the religious movements outlined in the foregoing sketches,
we have perhaps a pretty fair sample of what has been going on
during the last two hundred an'd fifty years all over New England,
and to a considerable extent also in other parts of the country —
in the line of spiritual development and ecclesiastical progress.
Very many and quite varied religious opinions and practices
have prevailed. Earnest discussions and sometimes violent con-
tentions hav€ taken place. Religious societies have come intO' be-
ing and prospered for a time, then declined and disappeared, and
others have taken their places. Still the great under-lying prin-
ciples of the holy religion of Jesus Christ have survived ; arid
that most important element — religious liberty — has been more
and more thoroughly understood, and more and more firmly es-
tablished as the years and the generations have passed by. And
5

66 HISTORV OF THE TOWN OF LEDYA^D.

what has been done in this respect here in New England has
been of incalculable service to the nation and the world. Well
did Josiah Quincy, a former president of Harvard University,
once say : "What lessons has New England, in every period
of her history, given to the world? She has proved that all
variety of Christian sects may live together in harmony under
a government which allows equal privileges to all, exclusive pre-
eminence to none; and that human happiness has no security
but freedom, freedom none but virtue, virtue none but knowl-
edge, and neither freedom nor virtue nor knowledge has any
vigor or immortal hope, except in the principles of the Christian
faith and in the sanctions of the Christian religion."

CHAPTER VIIl.
The Revolutionary War— 1775-1783.

The struggle for liberty, through which our fathers passed a
century and a quarter agO', was between a few feeble Colonies
on one side, and a great and powerful Kingdom on the other.
It resulted, indeed, in the independence of the Colonies, and the
establishment of a Republic which has become one of the great
powers of the earth. But it was at an expense of treasure and of
blood, which, considered in connection with the small population
and the limited resources of the country at the time, seems truly
appalling.

Each of the thirteen Colonies had a share in that vast ex-
penditure ; but no one probably a larger share, according to its
means, than Connecticut; and no part of Connecticut a larger
share than New London County, and no part of the county a
larger share than New London and Groton. And North Groton,
now Ledyard, had its full proportion. Abundant proof of this is
furnished in the following account of the massacre at Fort Gris-
wold, taken from The Springfield Republican, also in the appended
list of North Groton men who served in the Revolution — ^so many
of them at the cost of their lives.

The Fort Griswold Battle and Massacre.

"At daybreak on Sept. 6, 1781, a British fleet of 32 sails
appeared at the mouth of New London harbor. Sir Henry
Clinton had sent Benedict Arnold to destroy stores, privateers,
and forts. A native of Norwich, Arnold knew the country and
its inhabitants. At about nine o'clock the troops began to land
in two divisions of eight hundred men each. The first, under
command of Arnold, landed on the west side of the harbor and

68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

immediately moved on the town of New London. Fort Trum-
bull was then only a water battery, and readily yielded to a
superior force coming from the land on its unprotected rear.
Capt. Shapley and his men retired in their boats to reinforce Fort
Griswold on the opposite hights. The second division, under
command of Lieut.-Col. Eyre, landed at Groton point, on the
east side of the harbor. This force was to take Fort Griswold,
which commanded the surrounding country, and would prevent
all operations if held by the Americans. Meeting no opposition,
they moved rapidly up the hill in two bodies.

"Fort Griswold had a small regular garrison, but depended
on the support of militia who^ responded to alarm guns fired at
the first sign of danger. From its position the surrounding coun-
try was entirely at its mercy. On the morning of the fatal day
Lieut.-Col. William Ledyard, commander of the military district
of New London, Groton and Stonington, took personal cO'm-
mand of this position as the best place from which to protect
the country.

"When the British fleet appeared, the alarm was fired to call
in the militia. The signal was broken by the enemy. This
alarm consisted of two guns discharged at intervals. Privateers
had been in the habit of firing three guns on entering the harbor
after a successful cruise. Arnold knew the signal of the fort, and
he knew the habit of the privateers. By ordering a third gun,
he broke the alarm. Ledyard then sent out two messengers to
tell every militia captain to hurry his men to the fort. But ex-
presses could not go- far in a few hours, and the enemy moved
rapidly. Only i6o men were in the fort when the storming com-
menced. They were not enough to man the 32 guns of the fort
and dependent batteries. While many had seen service on bat-
tle fields and privateers, a very large number had never been in
action.

"A detachment under command of Col. Eyre halted and pre-
pared for action behind a ledge of rocks 130 rods south of the
fort; one under command of Maj. Montgomery, behind Avery's
hill, 150 rods to the south-east. About 10 o'clock Eyre sent a
flag to demand surrender, which was refused. A second flag was

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 1775-1783. 69

sent, with the statement that if he had to take the place by storm,
martial law would be put in force. This was understood to mean
death by bayonet to all who survived the storming. Without a
dissenting vote, Ledyard and his officers replied that the fort
would not be given up, be the consequences what they might.
The obstinacy of these men is inspiring. If they had surrendered
in this contest of five to one, history would have approved the
act. Fort Griswold was thus made an altar of liberty, on which
was offered the last sacrifice on New England soil ; it was trans-
formed into a monument to the bravery of its little garrison and
their stubborn loyalty to duty.

It was II o'clock when the second flag returned with Led-
yard's answer. Immediately both British divisions started, mov-
ing rapidly. Capt. Halsey directed a charge of grape into Eyre's
solid column, clearing a wide space, killing and wounding over
20 men, disabling their leader and scattering the column. They
rallied and returned to the attack, to- be repulsed a second time.
Montgomery's column was approaching fro'm the east, suffering
severely under a heavy fire from the fort and east battery. Sev-
eral times the enemy were repulsed and demoralized, once so
completely that the cheers of the little band rang out over the
hills in triumph to their listening homes.

"But for an accident the fort would probably not have been
taken. Seeing that the position was stronger than he had sup-
posed, Arnold sent an officer toi Eyre tO' coimtermand the order
for an attack. This officer was instructed to make all possible
haste to deliver the message, that the storming might not be
begun. But a stray shot cut the halyards of the flag and it fell
to the ground. Though this was instantly caught up and re-
mounted on a pike pole, the enemy thought it had been struck
by its defenders and rallied with determined energy. They
swarmed into the ditch and assaulted the fort on three sides.
There was hard fighting at every point. Cannon balls and other
missiles were hurled by hand upon those who' came near the
walls. Williams and Bailey, who^ worked the one-gun battery at
the east, were forced tO' fly for their lives. One of the assailants
boldly tried to unlock the gate and Was killed. It was a long

70 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

time before another could get near enough to make the attempt.
The assailants were losing heavily.

"A grand-daughter of Caleb Avery writes me : 'I have often
heard grandmother and aunt and father recount the terrible mas-
sacre at Fort Griswold ; I have always understood from them that
the British were repulsed so successfully that they were in a
demoralized condition, when the flag was shot from the pole,
which caused the enemy to make a desperate assault.' Caleb
Avery was one of the defenders.

"That desperate rush gave entrance at the south-west bastion,
which was entered through its embrasure. Soon the sallyport
was forced. The enemy mounted the south wall. Montgomery
was killed while coming through an embrasure, and died with the
words, 'Put every man to death.' The main gate had now been
opened and the British were pouring into the fort. The day
was lost.

"Ledyard ordered his men to throw down their arms. He
himself approached the British leader to surrender. When
within six feet, Bromfield called out : 'Who commands this
fort?' T did, but you do now,' said Ledyard, presenting his
sword. Bromfield seized the weapon and plunged it through
Ledyard's heart, driving it through the body from the left armpit
to the right. Capt. Youngs Ledyard and many of his companions
rushed again into the thick of the fight and died around the body
of their chief. Maddened by the determined resistance of so
small a force, by Montgomery's death, and by the havoc made ■
in their ranks, the enemy proceeded to execute the threat made
by Eyre before the battle. Platoon after platoon delivered their
fire into a garrison that had thrown down their arms. Squad
after squad kept pouring volleys into the magazine, where many
had fled, till Bromfield called out : 'Stop firing ; you'll send us
all to hell together.' Soldiers in broken ranks rushed here and
there plying the bayonet on living and dead. Some they brained
with clubbed muskets, others they knocked senseless and stabbed.
Daniel Stanton, helpless with a bullet wound, received 20 gashes
with bayonets and cutlasses. The wounded crying piteously for
life were murdered in their blood, Park Avery received a bayo'-

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 177S-1783. 71

net thrust that carried away one eye and part of the skull. One
man's ribs were driven from the bone by the stroke of a musket
butt. 'Be Jasus, I'll skipper ye !' screamed a Briton as he planted
his bayonet in Rufus Avery's breast. Charles Eldridge, helpless
with wounds, saved his life by giving a gold watch to the soldier
that would transfix him. John Daboll, who had been already
disabled, was knocked senseless by a ruffian who was in the act
of bayoneting him when a British Oifficer drove him off. Edward
•Stanton's left breast was torn open by a wound that showed
the heart ; but a British officer, of whom he asked aid, bound up
the wound with a night-cap that he took from his pocket, gave
him water, and saved a life. Som,e fought with the desperation
of despair, selling their lives at a fearful price. Others dropped
among the slain and feigned dead. Many jumped from the
parapets to meet death in trying to flee. Samuel W. Jacques
alone escaped unhurt. Having killed his antagonist in a hand-
to-hand fight, he leaped from the walls unseen. But 'it was a
source of grief to him in his last hours that he won his freedom
by the death of one so young and beautiful.' The enemy kept
saying that they must all die before sundown ; for that was in the
summons sent to Col. Ledyard.

"But not all were of this mind. After the deadly order had
been well-nigh executed, an English officer, who is said to^ have
entered the fort too late to stop the butchery, cried out : 'My
soul cannot bear such destruction !' Ordering the drums to^ beat
a parley, he stopped the carnage.

"Stephen Hempstead says : 'The cruelty of our enemies can-
not be conceived, and our renegade countrymen surpassed in this
respect, if possible, our British foes. We were at least an hour
after the battle within a few steps of a pump in the garrison, well
supplied with water ; and although we were suffering with thirst,
they would not permit us to take one drop of it nor give us any
themselves. Some of our number, who- had not been disabled
from going to the pump, were repulsed with the bayonet, and
not one drop did I taste after the action commenced, although
begging for it after I was wounded of all who came near me.'
"Eighty-eight victims of 'martial law' lay dead upon the

72 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

ground. Most of those not killed were wounded by the bayonet.
Only six or seven of the garrison had been slain when the fort
was taken. One month later Yorktown fell, but not a Briton
was killed except in fair fight. Alexander Hamilton led the
American attacking column. The redoubt that he took was car-
ried by the bayonet. Not one of the enemy was injured after he
surrendered. Our troops showed to the world that they would
not be provoked into retaliation for the butchery of Fort Gris-
wold. Two years before this Wayne had stormed the fortress at
Stony Point. The attack was at midnight, when fiercest passions
might be aroused in a hand-to-hand fight in the darkness. Yet
not a man in the fort was put to death except in fair combat, and
not one was hurt after he surrendered. The British themselves
praised the magnanimity of our men.

"At I o'clock the enemy began preparations for departure.
They loaded a large wagon with the wounded to be taken to^ the
boats. They piled them in on top of each other, like cordwood.
Starting toi draw the wagon down hill to the place of embarka-
tion, they found themselves unable to- control the heavy load.
Letting the wagon run down the incline, it struck a tree with
such force that many of the wounded were thrown out and killed.
One who had been thrown out attempted to crawl away and was
knocked in the head with a musket butt. Twenty-six were car-
ried off to Briton prison ships. Thirty-five of the most severely
wounded were paroled at the request of Ebenezer Ledyard, eldest
brofther of the murdered colonel. These were taken by the
British into the house of Ebenezer Avery, near the place where
the enemy were to embark. Soon after the men had been taken
to this house, marauders fired it in several rooms. These fires
were extinguished with difficulty. At. Mr. Ledyard's request,
Capt. Bromfield posted a sentinel to defend the helpless fellows
till the last British soldier had embarked. This was not till ii
o'clock at night. The blood that flowed from their wounds
stained the floor where the men lay. The owner of the house,
who was one of the number, would never alloiw it to be washed
out. These blood stains can be seen to-day.

"It was a night of terrible anguish. Thirty-five mangled, ex-

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 177S'^7^3- 73

hausted men suffered by exposure and cold, racked by spasms
and the tortures of undressed wounds, weakened from loss of
blood, parched with thirst ; not a friendly hand to relieve distress,
turn the aching body, or bear a last message from those upon
whom the day wO'Uld dawn in eternity. But the morn brought
relief. None of the friends or neighbors dared to come to their
relief till daylight, not knowing that the enemy had gone. First

Avert House.

to appear was Miss Fanny Ledyard, neice of the dead colonel.
Stephen Hempstead says : 'We were a horrible sight at this
time. Our friends did not know us. Even my own wife came
in the room to search for me, -and did not recognize me ; and as
I did not see her, she left the room to look for me among the
slain. ... It was with the utmost difficulty that many of
them could be identified, and so we were frequently called upon
to assist their friends in distinguishing them, by remembering
particular wound, etc. Being myself taken out for that purpose,

74 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

I met my wife and brother. . . . Never, for a moment, have
I regretted the share I had in it. I would be willing, if possible,
to suffer it again.'

"The American dead were left unburied, mostly within the
fort walls. The British had all that they could do' to attend to
their own wounded and slain. Their dead were buried in the
ditch of the triangular work before the gate and in shallow graves
near it. Maj. Montgomery and one or twO' other officers were
buried in the fort, under the embrasure where Montgomery fell.
Great emergencies call forth acts of pathetic devotion. Edward
Mills lived three miles from the fort, and responded to the alarm
on that fatal morning. Anna Warner was a member of her
uncle's household. During the long hours of that terrible day
no tidings reached the home but the boom of cannon. At its
close no niessage came. Night passed and morning dawned, but
no tidings reached the distracted wife. At an early hour Anna
walked to the fort. On the floor of Avery's house she found
her uncle. At sight of her he began to- mourn for his wife and
children. Hastening back to the lonely home, placing the wife
and elder child upon the horse, and taking the babe in her arms,
she hurried to the dying father and placed the infant on his
breast. Capt. Burroughs, hearing the signal gun, left his oxen
still hitched to the plow and started for the fort, taking his son
to ride back the horse. 'When will you get back?' asked the
wife. 'Gooid-by ! God knows !' On the morrow the son rode
back the horse for the body of his father. The wife and daughter
of Buddington watched, with anxious eyes, as he left their home
above the fort and went within its gate. All that dreadful day
they watched the battle and conflagration from the rocks above
the fight. The long suspense ripened into months of heartache.
They never knew whether father and husband were dead or alive
till the starved and sick survivor of the prison ship staggered
across the threshold of his home. John Prentis, and others who
had dropped among the slain and feigned dead, arose during the
night and ministered to the wants of their dying companions.

"The defenders of Fort Griswold were mostly young men.
Fifty-two of their tombstones give dates of birth. Most of them

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 1775-1783. 75

were less than 30; 36 were under 40; only 16 were over that
age. Lieut.-Col. Ledyard was but 43. Boys were there, and
one aged sire whose locks had been silvered by the snows of 70
winters. Daniel Williams fell at the age of 15 ; James Comstock

at 75-

"In the darkness of the morning, anxious wives and mothers,
daughters and aged sires, sisters and those of a tenderer tie,
groped among the slain for those whoi had left their hearth stones
not a day befoTe. As the lantern gl^am showed the lifeless
features of one, and another, and then another of neighbors
whom they had known for years, they came at last upon the mu-
tilated form of the one they sought. Often they were sO' dis-
figured as to need some mark to prove the body. The dead were
borne, one by one, toi their last resting places in the different
towns.

"Four or five hundred yards south-east of the fort are the
graves of Ledyard and many of his fellow-martyrs. Here Led-
yard saw the British column trample the grave of his daughter
whom he had laid to rest just six weeks 'before that day. The
state of Connecticut has erected a granite monument over the
remains of William Ledyard. Near it is all that relic hunters
have left of the original tombstone. The inscription has been
nearly all chipped away, but it may be found copied upon the
north side of the monument. In a wooded valley called 'Gunga-
wamp' is a rough granite slab bearing the letters N. A. This
marks the grave of John Adams's brother, Nathaniel. Many of
the graves were never marked and cannot be located. In 1826-30,
Groton monument was erected 'In memory of the patriots who
fell in the massacre of Fort Griswold near this spot on the 6th of
September, A. D. 1781, when the British, under the co^mmand of
the traitor, Benedict Arnold, burnt the towns of New London
and Groton, and spread desolation and woe throughout this
region.' The top of this granite obelisk is 265 feet above the har-
bor. Within the doior of the monument is a marble slab bearing
the names of those who fell ; beside it hang many relics of the
battle. In the Bill Memorial Library near by is the sword of
Ledyard, It is a short weapon of the rapier patterii, In the

76

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

atheneum at Hartford are the vest and shirt that he wore, with
the rents made by the sword. The writer has a piece of the
trimming of this vest, presented by a granddaughter of Gurdon
Ledyard, a brother of the colonel.

"In form and outline Fort Griswold is substantially the same
as when taken by the British. In the south-west bastion is the

6caU s^SoVards

Plan op Fort Griswold, Groton, Conn.

ruined masonry of the old magazine. Across the east side of
the parade are the remains of the barrack chimneys ; the stone
foundations of the old platform run along the west. On the right
of the gate is the well ; in the south wall, opposite, is the sallyport
where Shapley's party entered, with its covered way outside. In
front of the gate is what was left of the breast-work after the
enemy had shoveled it into the ditch to bury their slain ; just
within is the marble slab* marking the spot where Ledyard fell.

*This was erected by E'rederic Bill, of Groton.

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR — 1775-1783. JJ

On the south parapet is the embrasure where Montgomery died
by Lambert Latham's pike; near it is his grave. Capt. Amos
Stanton of the continental army happened to be at home at the
time on a furlough, and went into the fort that moiming as a
volunteer. He was an experienced soldier, and far superior in
military ■ aibility to any man present at the council of war held
early ni the day. He wished to meet the enemy at the landing
and skirmish with them through the woods, handling his men so
that they would seem more than they were. The constantly ar-
riving militia and volunteers could thus be given an opportunity
to swell the number of fighters, while the enemy were held in
check. It was the plan followed with success ait Concord, Lexing-
ton, Norwalk and other places. But as it was, the speedy arrival
of the British prevented the assembling of more than 160 men.

"Though the Connecticut co^ast had been terrorized by war
ships that patroled the Sound, New London had thus far escaped
in spite of the stronger reasons for destroying it than attached to
any other place. British and tories hated the town. It was a
stronghold of the privateers that played suchhavoc with English
merchant marine, and helped to bring the war tO' its close. 'Two
hundred and fifty vessels in the West India trade, with cargoes
amounting to $10,000,000, were captured in a single year.' 'In
the year 1777 alone only 40 English vessels O'Ut of 200 engaged
in the African trade escaped the American cruisers.' For the in-
surance of a single vessel for a single voyage more than 50 per
cent, was paid in England. Most of these privateers went out
from the harbors of Essex County in Massachusetts and New
London County in Connecticut. At the end of the war the port
of Salem counted a privateer force of 4,000 men and 1,280 guns.
The New London force was as strong till weakened by Arnold's
raid. In the single year 1779, 18 prizes were taken into that port.
A few weeks before the event of which we write, the Hannah,
laden with an unusually rich cargo, was brought into New Lon-
don by the Minerva. This prize, valued at $400,000 was prob-
ably the richest that the American privateers had ever taken. It
is thought that this seizure was the immediate cause of Arnold's
raid.

y8 HISTORY or* THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

"In New London was a fabulous amount of accumulated
stofe; but the enemy enjoyed no plunder, and were able to
destroy but a small fraction of this booty. The privateers and 12
other vessels, having taken on board their stores and plunder,
went up the river out o-f danger. The foTts were not even
destroyed, owing to the haste of the enemy and the watchfulness
of the Americans. Arnold's orders had been to burn the bar-
racks of Fort Griswold and blow up the magazine. When leav-
ing the enemy laid a train of powder and fired it. This was put
out by those who had dropped among the slain to save their lives.
The Italian historian, Botta, says : 'This expedition was but a
piratical inroad, absolutely without utility.'

"This was probably, also a move on the chessboard of war.
Washington and Clinton were playing a game between York-
town and New York, with advantages in Washington's favor.
Some doubt the theory that Arnold's raid was to draw off Wash-
ington from New York, which Clinton supposed was the real
objective point of the expedition tO' Virginia; but suggest that
Clinton thought a severe blow against New London would delay
reinforcements from that region. It has always been believed
that Clinton hoped to secure this as an advantageous base of
operations from which to attack New England. The obstinate
resistance at the fort, the militia that were rallying like hornets,
the threatening attitude of the inhabitants, and the non-appear-
ance of the sympathizers that they expected to see, warned the
enemy that the place was untenable.

"While the British failed largely to accomplish their declared
object, they destroyed a large amount of private property. Ship-
ping that did not go up the river was burned, with most of the
wharves and warehouses. The Hannah, the immediate cause of
all this trouble, was destroyed, with her cargo. Arnold pretended
to aim only at the destruction of privateers and public property.
He professed great regret for the burning of the towns, but
strong evidence supports the personal malice theory. One hun-
dred and forty-three buildings were destroyed in New London,
including the homes of 97 families; in Groton 12 houses and 9
other buildings. The British lost over 220 men, killed and
missing."

THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR — 1775-1783.

79

Men of Ledyard in the Revolutionary War.

Ichabod Babcock,
Daniel Stoddard,
Robert Stoddard,
William Forsyth,
Joshua Bill,
John P'acker,
Andrew Gallup,
Thomas Smith,
Zebanah Williams,

William Noyes,
William Latham,
Nehemiah Gallup,
Thomas Roach,
Ralph Stoddard,
Vine Stoddard,
Asa Lester,
Nathan Lester,
Phineas Bill.

Killed in Fort Griswold.

Capt. Samuel Allyn,
Capt. Simeon Allyn,
Belton Allyn,
Benadam Allyn,
Corporal Andrew Billings,
Andrew Baker,
Samuel Hill,

Sergeant Rufus Hurlbutt,
Moses Jones,
Lieut. Joseph Lewis,
Ensign John Lester,
Corporal Simeon Morgan,
Thomas Miner,

Joseph Moxley,

Corporal Luke Perkins, Jr.,

Elisha Perkins,

Luke Perkins,

Asa Perkins,

Elnathan Perkins,

Simeon Perkins,

Capt. Amois Stanton,

Sergeant John Stedman,

Corporal Nathan Sholes,

David Seabury,

Lieut. Flenry Williams,

Joseph Wedger.

CHAPTER IX.
The Second War with England— 1812-15.

Our second war with England, like the first, was occasioned
by England's fault; and both of them resulted disastrously to
her — advantageously to us. Previous to this second war Eng-
land had been accustomed to assume and maintain "the right
of search" in regard tO' our vessels upon the high seas. Under
the cover of this so^-called right she would board and overhaul
American vessels wherever found — take from them able-bodied
men, upon the claim that they were deserters and press them
into her naval service. In this way many grievous wrongs were
committed. American citizens, engaged in legitimate pursuits,
were seized and hurried away into the service of England. This
nefarious business was carried on for many years. At length it
was felt by oiur rulers, and perhaps by a majority of the people,
that it should be endured no longer. The result was the War
of 1812-15. The fighting in this war was mostly done at sea;
and, in the great majority of cases, with brilliant achievements on
the part of the American Navy. The battle of New Orleans on
Jan. 8, 1815, under the leadership of Gen. Andrew Jackson, was a
triumphant conclusion of the war — fought, though it was, after
the terms of peace had been agreed upon. This war was not
very popular in Connecticut, though the Connecticut sailors
went into it most heartily, hoping thus to avenge the injuries
that the mother country had heaped upon them by her "right-of-
' search" proceedings. The people of the State generally were
not in favor of the war for the reason that a law, recommended
by the President and adopted by Congress, to the effect that
"{he seamen, ships and merchandise of the United States should
be detained in port to preserve them from the dangers which

THE SECOND WAR WITH ENGLAND — 1812-15. 81

threatened them upon the ocean," interfered very seriously with
their trade to foreign ports. Still there was no open revolt, and
the State as such co-operated in carrying on the war till a fav-
orable conclusion was reached. Large numbers of men were
called out from Groton and adjoining towns for the defense of
Stonington, when bombarded by a British fleet in Aug., 1814.
Almost every man in North Groton, liable to bear arms, went
into the service. Tliough noi man was killed, there were two' at
least who had a very narrow escape, viz., William Avery and
Joseph Geer. By direction of the officer in charge, they had gone
down to the beach with an ox-team to draw away a field-piece that
was lying there to prevent it from, falling into the hands of the
enemy. While engaged in this work a cannon ball, fired from one
of the British ships, passed over the backs of their oxen, and within
a few feet of their own heads, and near where Gurdon Bill, who
was doing sentry duty, stood. Mr. Bill was, at the time of this
attack, in Stonington, engaged in teaching school, and while not
a member of the military company, yet was summoned by the
officer above-named to the duty assigned as above. Shortly after
the incident referred to a boat-load of British troops started for
the shore, with a view, doubtless, to reconnodter as they landed,
and while forming, a company of minute men concealed behind a
stone wall near by, opened fire and being, taken completely by
surprise the enemy went pellmell for their boat, and in doing so
quite a number lost and dropped their guns which were picked
up by our men. Mr. Bill securing one, which was always kept
by him as a trophy of the battle, and is now in the possession of
Mr. Frederic A. Bill, of Springfield, Mass.

Early in the wa:r the squadron of Commodore Decatur, con-
sisting of three ships, was chased into New London harbor by a
greater force of British war-ships, and for two years Decatur's
ships lay in the Thames within a few miles of Noirwich, the
British ships remaining off the month of the harbor and so
closely blockading its approaches that no vessels could enter or
leave without risk of capture. While lying in the Thames the
gallant Commodore took measures to defend himself should the

6

82

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

British attempt to ascend the river and attack him. He built a
fortification on the top of a high hill just north of Gale's Ferry,
and mounted cannons upon it in positions which would render it
well-nigh impossible for any British vessel tO' proceed northward

much above New
London. That old
fortification is still
extant, though in
quite a dilapidated
condition. It is in
the form of a tri-
angle. One side,
fronting eastward,
is 130 feet, more or
less, in length. An-
other, fronting
toward the south-
west, and lying
nearly at right
angles with the
river, is about no feet long. The remaining side, parallel with
the river, is about 90 feet long. The fortification has long borne
the name of Fort Decatur. On its north-west corner is a huge
granite boulder, five or six feet high, bearing this inscription:

This Boulder Was Marked By The

Belton- Allyn Society C A. R.

Of Gale's Ferry As Being The

North Boundary Of Fort Decatur

That Was Erected In The Years

1813 And 1814 To Protect

Decatur's Fleet From The British

Fort Decatur,

Feb. 28, 1898.

CHAPTER X.
The Civil War of 1861-5.

The Civil War of 1861-5 was between the great loyal North
on one side and the "solid South" on the other. It was precipi-
tated by the South in their secession from the Union, and this
with the view of riveting more firmly the chains of slavery. It
was entered upon and prosecuted by the North primarily for the
purpose of preserving the integrity of the nation. It resulted in
the overthrow of slavery, the emancipatioin of three millions of
bondmen, and the re-establishment of the nation upon a much
broader and firmer foundation than that upon which it had
previously rested. The coist of the war in treasure and blood was
immense. In the South it was perfectly overwhelming. In the
North the strain was so severe that it was felt in every fiber of
the nation's life. Every portion of the country, frOm the largest
city to the smallest town, had a share in it about as large as it
was able to bear. How large the share o-f Ledyard was will ap-
pear in part in the long list of volunteers engaged in the conflict.
A granite shaft, in memory of the fallen, stands on the "Com-
mon," in front of the church at the center of the town, and dedi-
cated on July 4, 1873, and was the gift of Ledyard Bill. The
services of the dedication were held in the church where Gov.
Wm. A. Buckingham, and Col. Hoyt, speaker of the House of
Representatives, delivered addresses, followed by remarks by Col.
John T. Wait and others, Mr. Bill first making delivery of the
monument to John Brewster, Esq., Chairman of the Selectmen.
The committee in charge of the arrangements for the day con-
sisted of Hon. Henry Larrabee, Edmund Spicer, Esq., and Rev.
Charles Cutting. At the close of the exercises, a picnic dinner
was served by the ladies of the town to several hundred people.

The address of Gov. Buclcingham, on this occasion, was ac-

84 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

counted by his friends to have been among the very best of all
his efforts during his public life.

Volunteers from Ledyard, 1861-5.
First Connecticut Cavalry.

Cook, William T., Lieutenant.*

Knapp, Henry E., Private, Co. B.

Lamb, Franklin A., Commissary Sergeant, Co. B.

Brown, Daniel H., Private, Co. C.

Egan, Michael, Private, Co. C.

Brown, Elias S., First Lieutenant, Co. G.

Whipple, Daniel, Sergeant, Co. G.*

Whipple, Samuel S., Sergeant, Co. G.

Bolles, Orrin S., Corporal, Co. I.*

Chapman, Daniel, Private, Co. L.

Brown, Ferdinand, First Sergeant, Co. M.

Turner, Isaac D., First Sergeant, Co. M.

Eighth Infantry.
Lamb, Samuel S., Private, Co. G.

Tenth Infantry.
Allyn, Asa, Private, Co. H.
Bromley, Lyman W., Private, Co. H.*

Eleventh Infantry.

Satterlee, Dwight, Assistant Surgeon.
Rogers, Samuel C, Private, Co. H.
Smith, George A., Private, unassigned.

Tivelfth Infantry.

Avery, Horace, Private, Co., D.

Ball, Cephas, Private, Co. D.

Turner, Henry, Private, Co. D.

All^n, Stanton, First Lieutenant, Co. K.

Avery, Alexander W., Sergeant, Co- K.

•Enlisted in other towns, according to Catalogue

THE CIVIL WAR OF 1861-5. 85

McCracken, Charles T., Sergeant K.
Stoddard, Orrin E., Sergeant, Co. K.
Ball, Frederick N., Corporal, Co. K.
Ball, John G., Corporal, Co. K.
Clarke, Thomas J., Wagoner, Co. K.
Ball, Grosvenor, Private, Co. K.*
Clark, Edwin, Private, Co. K.
Comstock, Charles H., Private, Co. K.*
Peckham, Adin R., Private, Co. K.
Perkins, Albert M., Private, Co. K.
Perkins, Charles L., Private, Co. K.
Pratt, Gurdon, Private Co. K.*
Reynolds, William PL, Private, Co. K.
Cold, George, Private, unassigned.

Thirteenth Infantry.
Smith, William, Private, Co. I.

Fourteenth Infantry.

Wagner, Henry, Private, Co. C.
Lull, Oscar S., Private, Co. E.
Dart, John N., Private, Co. H.
Perkins, Prentice A., Private, Co. H.
Thomas, George, Private, Co. I.
Allyn, Stephen D., Private, Co. K.
Allyn, William R., Private, Co. K.*
Dyetch, Jacob, Private, Co. K.
Hasler, Henry, Private, Co. K.
Maynard, Erastus A., Private, Co. K.
Babcock, George W., Private, Co. K.

Eighteenth Infantry.

Caswell, Guilford, Private, Co. F.
Mastin, James W., Private, Co. F.
Sweet, William H., Private, Co. F.

*EnJi§ted in- other towns, aocording to Ceitaylogue,

86 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Twenty-first Infantry.
Bailey, Thomas L., Corporal, Co. C.
Wilcox, Chauncey F., Corporal, Co. C*
Gallup, Francis E., Private, Co. C.
Latham, Ira C, Private, Co. C*
Maynard, Augustus E., Private, Co. C.
Meech, George F., Private, Co. C.
Peckham, Benjamin B., Private, Co. C.
Green, Gurdon, Private, Co. E.
Moxley, Solon R., Private, Co. F.
West, William R., Corporal, Co. G.
Lamb, Warren A., Private, Co. G.*
Main, John L., Private, Co. I.

Twenty-sixth Infantry.

Gray, Montgomery, Private, Co. B.

Johnson, Henry, Private, Co. B.

Lamb, Noyes, Private, Co. B.

Avery, Timothy A., Second Lieutenant, Co. D.

Moffitt, Arden, Second Lieutenant, Co. D.

Tuttlc, Erastus R., Sergeant, Co. D.

Chapman, Ephraim A., Corporal, Co. D.

Lee, Denison P., Corporal, Co. D.

Miller, George, Corporal, Co. D.

Allyn, James A., Private, Co. D.

Allyn, Denison, Private, Co. D.

Allyn, Nicholas, Private, Co. D.

Ball, Henry J., Private, Co. D.

Bromley, Isham, Private, Co. D.

Chapman, William E., Private, Co. D.

Christie, Edwin L., Private, Co. D.

Christie, Jonathan L., Private, Co'. D.

Crouch, William W., Private, Co. D.

Farrelly, Peter, Private, Co. D.

Frink, Thomas H., Private, Co. D.

Maynard, Appleton J., Private, Co. D.

*Bnlisted in other towns, according to Catalo^e.

THE CIVIL WAR OF 1861-5. 87

Mitchell, John N., Private, Co. D.
Murfit, Ray, Private, Cd. D.
Myers, Elias E., Private, Co. D.
Palmer, Moses N., Private, Co. D.
Slater, Rudolph, Private, Co. D.
Smith, William, Private, Co. D.
Stoddard, Simeon A., Private, Co. D.
Whipple, Austin, Private, Co'. D.
Gray, Stephen, Private, Co. K.
Sawyer, Peter, Private, Co. D.

Tzventy-ninth Infantry — Colored.
Fisher, Isaac J., Private, Co. K.
Hoxie, Noyes J., Private, Co. K.
Jones, John M., Private, Co'. K.
Lawrence, Amasa, Private, Co. K.
Lee, George, Private, Co. K.

Thirty-first Infantry — Colored.
Peckham, Albert A., Private, Co. B.

Enlisted in Regidar Army.
SpiceF, Allen, Third Artillery.
Turner, Henry, Fourteenth Infantry, Co. E.
Morgan, Frank, Fourteenth Infantry, Co. H.
M'organ, Simeon, Fourteenth Infantry, Co-. G.

Members in Navy.
Ball, Justin.

Gallup, Christopher M., "Landsman."
Allyn, Gurdon L.
Bailey, Latham A.
Ball, Guilford.
Brown, Latham A.
Satterlee, Charles A.
Stoddard, Ebenezer M.

Enlisted in other States.
Ball, Thomas, New York.
Gallup, Simeon, Rhode Island.

CHAPTER XI.
Family Histories and Genealogies,

THE ALLYN FAMILY.

(By Thomas Latham).

The Allyns of Ledyard are undoubtedly of English descent.
A coat of arms, at present in possession of Gurdon F. Allyn,
of Salem, Gonn., has an accompanying description which con-
tains the names of John Allyn, of Utoxeter, in the county of
Stafford, Francis Allyn, of London, and also the names of
Richard Allyn, Thomas Allyn and William Allyn. ^

History informs us that a certain William Allyn was a Pro-
testant Martyr of Walsingham, England, during the reign of the
"Bloody Mary." We are told that for refusing to read the
"Book of Sports," and for refusing to follow the cross in pro-
cession he was condemned tO' death, was permitted to go toi the
stake untied, where he was chained and stood quietly without
shrinking, until he died, one year after John Rogers suffered
martyrdom at Smithfield.

L

Robert Allyn, who was born in 1608, emigrated to Salem,
Mass., in 1637. He united with the church in 1642, and moved
to New London .in 165 1. He was one of the company wliO' first
purchased the Town of Norwich, and he obtained a grant of a
large tract of land on the Thames River, including "Allyn's
Point," where he died, in 1683, aged 75 years.

His children were

John, m. Elizabeth Gager.
Sarah, m. George Geer.
Mary, m, Thomas Park,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 89

Hannah, m. Thomas Rose.
Deborah, m. John Gager, Jr.

II.

John Allyn, who was born about 1640, married Elizabeth
Gager, daughter of John Gager, of "New Noiridge," Dec. 24,
1668. He died in 1709, leaving an estate valued at £1,278, to
be divided between his only son, Robert, and only daughter,
Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Waterman. His inventory named
three farms and a trading post on the Thames river.

Among his household efiEects werel a silver tankard, cup,
tumbler and whistle, a g'old ring, a wrought cushion and a
lignum-vitae mortar and pestle.

III.

Robert, son of John Allyn and Elizabeth Gager, married
Deborah Avery, Jan. 26, 1691.
Their children were

1. Elizabeth, b. Nov. 20, 1693, m. Jonathan Williams.

2. John, b. Jan. 10, 1695, m. Joanna Miner, 1726.

3. Robert, b. Jan. 25, 1697, m. Abigail Avery, 1725.

4. Ebenezer, b. Feb. 29, 1699, m. Mary Thurber, 1726.

5. James, b. Feb. 29, 1699, m. Althea Avery, 1729.

6. Christopher, b. April 12, 1702, died March 26, 1703.

7. Samuel, b. May 26, 1704, m. Hannah Avery, 1731.

8. Christopher, b. July 26, 1706.

9. Lucy, b. July 29, 1708, died unmarried.

10. Nathan, b. Oct. 5, 171 1, m. Jane Purl.

11. Deborah, b. , m. Jonathan Lester.

IV.

Ebenezer Allyn, born Feb. 29, 1699, married Mary Thurber,
April 2J, 1726. He died April 21, 1760. She died Nov. 16,
1780.

Their children were

1. Ebenezer, b. Jan. 25, 1727, died same date,

2. Mary, b. Nov. 26, 1727-, died young.

go HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYAED.

3. Son, b. Sept. 6, 1729, died Nov. 5, 1729.

4. Deborah, b. Oct. i, 1730, died April 19, 1731.

5. Lucy, b. Feb. 14, 1732, m. James Avery, 1749.

6. Mary, b. July 4, 1734, m. Thos. Lester, 1754.

7. Priscilla, b. June 24, 1736, m. John Allyn.

8. Rebecca, b. May 3, 1738, m. Ezekiel Turner.

9. Ebenezer, b. March 28, 1740.

10. Thomas, b. June 23, 1742, m. Lucy Avery, 1762.

11. Rufus, b. Aug. 17, 1745, m. Hannab Billings, 1766.

12. Amos, b. Feb. 21, 1748, m. Elizabeth Morgan.

V.

Thomas Allyn married Lucy Avery, Nov. 30, 1762.
Their children were

1. Thomas, b. Sept. 20, 1763, died May 20, 1849.

2. Lucy, b. March 16, 1766.

3. Eunice, b. Aug. 7, 1768.

4. Joshua, b. July 22, 1770.

5. Cyrus, b. May 22, 1772, died Oct. 25, 1774.

6. Anna, b. Jan. 13, 1775.

7. Phebe, b. Oct. 17, 1778, died June 12, 1786.

VI.

Thomas Allyn, son of Thomas and Lucy Avery Allyn, born
Sept. 20, 1763, married Susannali Morgan. He died May 20,
1849. She died June 20, 1850.

Children : —

Isaac A., died Nov. 27, 1802, aged 17 years.
Cyrus, b. Feb. 14, 1786, died Jan. 12, 1840.
Susannah, died March 16, 1839, aged 50 years.
Lucy, married Edmund Stoddard.
Prudence, died Dec. 30, 1814, aged 23 years.
The Susannah, who died in 1839, was the first wife of Guy C.
Stoddard.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 9I

vir.

Cyrus, son of Thomas and Susannah Morgan Allyn, born
Feb. 14, 1786, married Mary Morgan. He died Jan. 12, 1840.
She died June 12, 1869.

Children : —

1. Cyrus Morgan, b. March 27, 1816.

2. Sidney, b. May 12, 1817, died April 15, 1890.

3. Caroline, b. Oct. 9, 1818, died Oct. 13, 1820.

4. Susan Mary, b. Feb. 10, 1820, died Oct. 12, 1896.

5. Thomas Avery, b. Dec. 5, 1821, died Feb. 8, 1895.

6. Theophilus Morgan, b. Nov. 23, 1823.

7. Charlotte Maconda, b. Oct. 6, 1824.

8. John Hobart, b. Sept. 30, 1827, died March 29, 1887.

9. Byron, b. Feb. 2, 1830, died Nov. 25, 1830.

10. Byron, b. Oct. 31, 1831, killed Nov. 16, 1881.

11. Jeannette Dwight, b. April 2, 1834, died Aug. 22, 1875.

12. Prudence, b. March 20, 1836.

VIIL

Thomas A. Allyn, who died in 1895, had three wives. His
first wife, who died in 1862, left one son, Cyrus, who in A. D.
1900 is in possession of a farm at Allyn's Point, which has been
owned by nine succeeding generations of AUyns. The names of
the owners, in the direct line of succession, is as follows :

1. Robert, original grantee, who died in 1683.

2. John, who died in 1709.

3. Robert, who married Deborah Avery.

4. Ebenezer, who married Mary Thurber.

5. Thomas, who married Lucy Avery.

6. Thomas, who married Susannah Morgan.

7. Cyrus, who died in 1840.

8. Thomas, who died in 1895.

9. Cyrus, present owner in 1900.

92 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

THE AVERY FAMILY.

The Averys of Ledyard and neighboring towns are de-
scendants of James Avery, who was bom in England about 1620,
and who, with his father Christopher, came to this country with
Gov. Winthrop's Company in 1630. They Hved at first in Bos-
ton or Salem, afterwards in Gloucester. About 1650, James,
with his wife, who was Joanna Greenslade, of Boston, and his
three oldest children, moved to New London. They constituted
a portion of quite a party from Cape Ann, including Rev. Richard
Blimnan, the pastor of the church in Gloucester, who became
the first pastor of the First Church in New London.

James Avery built the famous "Avery Hive" on Poquonnoc
Plain in 1656, and moved thither with his family. In 1684 the
church edifice in New London, being no longer large enough to
accommodate the congregation, was sold to James Avery. He
took it down, moved the materials to Poquonnoc, and with them
made a large addition to his house. The house, thus enlarged,
was occupied by him and his family, and also by a regular line
of his descendants from generation to generation, till it was set
on fire by a spark from a passing locomotive on the railroad,
July 20, 1894, and burned to the ground. A bronze statue of
James Avery, mounted upon a column of Scotch granite, now
marks the spot where it stood.

In their earlier generations in this country the Averv families
were very large — from ten to fifteen children generally in each
of them. While a goodly number, bearing the name, still reside
within a few miles of the spot where the old Hive stood, others
have scattered off in all directions ; and Groton Averys, or their
descendants, may be found in almost every town in New London
County and every State of New England; also in New York,
Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wiscon-
sin, Nebraska, North Carolina, Louisiana, Oregon, California
and other States and Territories.

The majority of them have been farmers with moderate
means and limited aspirations. Some, however, have become the
owners of large farms, and been withal very enterprising and
progressive. John J. Avery (1776-18—), of Groton, had a well-

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 93

tilled farm of 700 acres, covering the ground now occupied by
that charming summer resort, Eastern Point. Robert Stanton
Avery (1771-1846), of Preston, had a farm oi 250 acres, which
included a large part of Avery's Plains, so'-called. He was the
first man in Preston to own a wagon, and the first to use a cast-
iron plow; the first to introduce into his neighborhood Merino
sheep from Spain and blooded stock fro^m England. Dwight
Avery (1828- ), of Norwich Town, is an extensive market-
gardener, running his spacious greenhouses with their ap-
pendages in connection with a large milk farm. One of the
many who have gone West, and become farmers on a much
broader scale than any who have settled down in the Nutmeg

State, is Phineas O. Avery (1838 ). After enlisting in the

Fourth Illinois Cavalry and serving his country over three years
in the Civil War, he settled in Humbolt, Nebraska; and in 1866
owned 800 acres of fine farmirig land, all under cultivation, 300
head of Hereford cattle and 30 horses.

Several Averys, of the Groto-n stock, have developed a good
deal of mechanical skill ; and some of this class have acquired
distinction as inventors. This is true of John Avery, Jr.
(1732-1794), of Preston, a self-taught silver-smith and clock-
maker ; of Samuel Avery (1760- 1836), of Preston, inventor of a
nail-cutting machine; of Otis Avery (1808, living in 1889), of
Honesdale, Pa., who was one of the first tO' receive a patent for
a sewing machine — a patent which was taken out not only in
this country, but also in England and France. To his inventive
talent, Mr. Otis Avery added that of a legislator, and that also
of a judge, and was called to fill these offices as long as he was
willing to hold them.

Some of the Groton Averys have proved themselves capable
of managing large business concerns, and have acquired fortunes
in doing it. Benjamin Franklin Avery (1801-1885), of Central
New York, was a man of this sort. For many years he was en-
gaged in the manufacture and sale of plows on a grand scale.
His plows were of such superior quality that they commanded
a ready sale wherever they were thrown upon the market. Abra-
ham Avery (1824-1893), of Boston, is another good example.

94 HISTORY OP* THE TOWN OP LEDYARD.

He was a printer by trade, and for many years was a member of
the firm of Rand & Avery, whose pubHcations, including "Uncle
Tom's Cabin," went — 'thousands npcm thousands — into every
land where the English language is spoken.

A pretty fair percentage of the family have been liberally
educated, and have entered the learned professions. Nineteen
have been graduated from Yale University; a dozen or more
from Harvard ; and enough from Amherst, Williams, Dartmouth,
Middlebury and Brown to make out between forty and fifty
from these New England Colleges. And a good many more
have been graduated from colleges outside of New England.

Some of the men who have attained tO' a good degree oi suc-
cess in the professions may be fittingly named here. In the
medical profession, Christopher Swan Avery (1788-1862), who
served as an army surgeon in the War of 1812-15, and afterward
settled in Windham, Conn. Amos Geer Avery (1822-1898), who
after much valuable service in the War of 1861-5, settled in Iowa,
afterward in New York. George Whitfield Avery (1836-1893),
who performed very extensive and valuable services as a surgeon
in the army during the Civil War — afterward built up a large
practice in Hartford, Conn., and was stricken down in the midst

of eminent usefulness. Edward Woodbridge Avery (1841 ),

who, as a surgeon, held important positions in the Army and
Navy of the United States, also in the German Army during the
Franco-Prussian War, and afterward settled down to practice
in Brooklyn, N. Y.

Of Groton Averys, who have attained to eminence in the legal
profession, the following may be named : Edward Avery
(1790-1866), who, after several years of legal practice, became
Judge of the Supreme Court, Wooster, Ohio. Daniel Dudley
Avery (1810-1879), a lawyer and judge in Baton Rouge, La.
Edward Avery (1828-1898), lawyer and statesman, Boston, Mass.

A very large number of the Averys have been clergymen.
Among them are the following: Parke Avery (1710-1797),
pastor of the Separate Church in Groton, Conn. Nathan Avery
(1712-1780), pastor of the Separate Church in North Stonington.
Christopher Avery (1737-1819), pastor 6f the Separate Church

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 95

in North Stonington. David Avery (1746-1818), a cliaplain in
the ami)' of the Revohition, and pastor of Congregational
Churches in New .Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
David Avery (1801-1875), pastor of Baptist Churches in Moodus,
Ashford and other places in Connecticut. Charles Eldridge Avery
(1794-1854), pastor of Congregational Churches in the State of
New York. Jared Reid Avery (1804-1885), pastor of Congre-
gational Churches in Groton and Franklin, Conn. John Thomas
Avery (1810 ), evangelist in Cleveland, Ohio, and neighbor-
ing places. Wihiam Pitt Avery (1816-1885), pastor of Congrega-
tional Churches in Bozrah, Conn., and Chapin, Iowa. Frederick

Denison Avery (1818 ), pastor of Congregational Church in

Columbia, Conn. John Avery (1819 ), pastor of Congrega-
tional Churches in Lebanon, Central Village and Ledyard, Conn.

George Porter Avery (1852 ), pastor of Methodist Churches

in New York and Minnesota.

Of the educated men, who have not entered either of the three
learned professions, some have performed very valuable services.
The following may be named as representatives of this class :
Prof. Charles Avery, LL. D. (1795- 1883). His life was given
to teaching — 35 years of it as Professor of Chemistry and
Natural Philosophy in Hamilton College, N. Y., his alma mater.
Through his instrumentality large endowments were secured for
various departments of the institution. Elroy McKendree

Avery, P'h. D. (1844 ), of Qeveland, Ohio^, is the historian of

the family. He made a good military record in the War of
'61-5 ; and has since been largely engaged in teaching. He has
written quite a number of educational works — some of which
have obtained wide circulation. Robert Stanton Avery, Jr.
(1808-1894), of Washington, D. C, was for many years con-
nected with the United States Coast Survey, and for over 20 years
the head of its Tidal Department. He wrote several treatises on
phonographic, mathematical and scientific subjects. He pub-
lished several of these works in . his lifetime, and a short time
previous to his death arranged for the publication of others by
the Smithsonian Institute bequeathing the greater part of his
estate to the Institute for this purpose.

g6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Tlie Averys have participated more or less largely in the
wars in which the country has been involved. James Avery him-
self was a prominent leader in the Conflicts with the hostile
Indian tribes. In the spring of 1676, during the war known
as King Philip's War, the Connecticut authorities gave him
command of a company of English from New London,
Stonington and Lyme with as many Pequots as he should deem
necessary, and sent him into the Narragansett country. His
third son, John, was also' in the company. His great-grandsons
and great-great-grandsons fought heroically in the Revolution,
and nine of their number fell in Fort Griswold. In the War of
1812-15, a large number of his descendants, in the sixth and
seventh generations, were called out for the defense of New Lon-
don, Stonington and other places against British invasion. In
the Civil War, 1861-5, many took an active part; and several for
their valor in action were highly honored. 'They became captains
and majors and colonels ; and one at least, Robert Avery, having
been engaged in many battles and several times severely wound-
ed, was breveted a brigadier and then major-general of United
States Volunteers.

In civil affairs the Averys have from the first taken an active
part. The founder of the family held almost every honorable
position to which he was eligible ; and in some of the offices to
which he was elected he was retained for many years. Many of
his descendants have been in like manner honored. Hon.
Richard A. Wheeler, in 1872, published an article in a Mystic
newspaper, in which he gave the names of all the men who had
represented the town of Groton in the General Assembly of
Connecticut, between the years 1704 and 1871, inclusive. The
whole number was 545. He closed the article with these words :
"It is worthy of note that of these 545 Representatives, 104 were
Averys — ^all of them descendants of Capt. James Avery. Glory
enough for one man in one town."

Some of the Averys have been elevated to high positions in
the national government. Daniel Avery (1766-1842), whose
father fell in Fort Griswold when he was fifteen years old, settled
in Central New York, and represented his ' Congressional Dis-

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 97

trict in three different Congresses. William Thomas Avery
(1819-1880), was elected a member of Congress in Tennessee in
1857 and again in 1859.

Quite frequently some of the side shoots from the parent
stalk have yielded fruit not at all inferior to that borne by the
principal branches. In other words, the descendants of the
daughters of the Averys as well as the descendants of the
sons, have become widely known and been highly honored.
Temperance Avery, daughter of Capt. Christopher Avery, of
Avery Hill, in Ledyard, married William Morgan, and became
the grandmother of Hon. Edwin D. Morgan, governor of the
State of New York. Lucy Avery, second daughter of Col.
Ebenezer, of Groton, married Geoi-ge Colfax, and became the
great-grandmother of Hon. Schuyler Colfax, who was a member
of Congress foiurteen years in succession — Speaker of the House
of Representatives through three successive Congresses, and
Vice-President of the United States during the first term of
President U. S. Grant. Lucy Avery, a descendant of James,
1st, through his son, Samuel, and his grandson, Humphrey (who
lived and died at Poquetanuck), married Go'dfrey Rockefeller,
and is the mother of John D. Rockefeller, the famous millionaire.

The Averys, like most of the people who came from England
with them were Puritans, who left the mother country that they
might find upon these Western shores "freedom tO' worship God."
The religious element in their character was a predominant one.
And it has given clear evidence of its presence in each of their
successive generations frO'm the first settlement of the country
to the present time. They have been firm believers in the Chris-
tian religion and earnest defenders of it, even when it cost much
to do it. Especially has it been true of them that they have ac-
cepted and acted upon the great moral principles which con-
stitute such an important element of the religion of Christ.
Most of them, doubtless, have received and profited by family
training much like that which one of their number administered
in his household — the substance of which was reiterated again'
and again in his parental instruction : "My children, don't you
ever allow yourselves, under any circumstances whatever, to do
a mean thing."

98 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

THE AYER FAMILY.

John Ayer, of Haverhill, settled in Stonington in the latter
part of the seventeenth century.

His homestead farm was north' of "Lantern Hill," and ad-
joining the town of Groton. His son, John, born in 1689, mar-
ried Sarah Colt, and later, settled in Saybrook, as the marriages
of several of his children are recorded there.

John, Jr., died in 1760, leaving seven children, one of whom,
Joseph, married Tliankfnl Drake, and settled in Stonington. His
father, John, gave him 150 acres of land in 1743 and he afterward
added to it by purchase, until he had a tract of between four and
five hundred acres in Stonington, Groton and Preston. Joseph's
brother John married Abigail Cook and settled on what was
formerly his grandfather's homestead farm.

Joseph died in 1814, leaving to his son, Joseph, his lands in
Stonington, and to his son, Elisha, his lands in Groton and Pres-
ton. Elisha died in 1853, and his farm descended to his son
George.

It is still in the possession of his descendants.

Dr. James C. Ayer was born in Ledyard (North Groton),
May 5, 1819. He was the son of Frederick and Persis (Cook)
Ayer. He married Josephine M. Southwick, of Lowell. They
had two sons and one daughter., Dr. Ayer died July 2, 1878.
Dr. Ayer was an enterprising and bright man. He early went
to Lowell, where he served as clerk in a drug store, of which
later on he became the owner, and then prepared patent medi-
cines that afterwards had an extensive sale, and made him famous
and wealthy. His son, Frederick Ayer, succeeded to the large
business established by his father and is a prominent citizen of
Lowell, Mass.

THE BELLOWS FAMILY.

Nathaniel Bellows lived on the farm in Ledyard now owned
by Samuel Caswell. He was bo^m in Groton in 1757. 'He
served in the Revolutionary War as private in Capt. Amos Stan-
ton's Company, of Groton, from March 19, 1777, to March, 1780.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. QQ

He married Sarah Smith, daughter of Lieut. Nehemiah and
Abigail (Avery) Smith. He died Jan. 24, 1814.

His wife died March 10, 1827, and both are buried on their
farm.

They had one child, Elizabeth, boim Aug. 16, 1794. She
married Frederick Avery and removed West.

Nathaniel was descended from John Bellows, who' came from
England in the ship "Hopewell" in 1635, at the age of twelve.
He married May 9, 1655, Mary Wood, of Marlborough, and
settled in Concord, Mass.

Their ninth child, Nathaniel Bellows, was born in Concord,
April 3, 1676, and removed to Groton, Conn., where land was
granted to him by the town, Feb. 27, 1699. He married Nov.
15, 1704, Dorcas Rose, daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Allyn)
Rose, of New London. Groton land records show numerous
purchases of land by him as late as Dec. 25, 1732.

In 1736, Nathaniel and his wife Dorcas, joined in a deed to
their son, Ithamar. The last mention of his name in Groton
records occurs Feb. 22, 1759, when the bonds were recorded be-
tween himself and his grandson, John Bellows. Their chil-
dren were

John Bellows, bom Sept. 13, 1705.

Danuris Bellows, born Sept. 17, 1707.

Zerviah Bellows, born Oct. 30, 1709.

Johariah Bellows, born March 24, 171 1.

Ithamar Bellows, born Feb. 24, 1713, died Oct. 24, 1777.

Margaret Bellows, born Jan. 5, 1718.

Dorcas and Hannah Bellows (twins), born Oct. 18, 1722.

Dorcas married Israel Standish, of Preston.

The eldest son above, John Bellows, born Sept. 13, 1705, mar-
ried Mary . They had a son, John Bellows, born Feb.

29, 1727, and died Sept. 16, 1793. He married Elizabeth Will-
iams, who was bom Sept. 18, 1733, and died May 11, 1803.

They were the parents of Nathaniel, the subject of this sketch.

John Bellows, of Groton, is mentioned in the Colonial records
of Connecticut, as collector of the Colony tax in the town in
1763-

100 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Lucretia Bellows, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bellows,
born Sept. 2, 1763, married Jan. i, 1784, Daniel Stoddard, who
was born Nov. 6, 1761. They had eight children— Lucretia,
Daniel, Lucy, Phebe, Clarissa, Maria, Sidney and Edward.

Another daughter of John and Elizabeth Bellows, Cynthia
Bellows, born April 12, 1771, married Shubael Morgan, and had
eleven children.

Ithamar Bellows, who was bom Feb. 24, 1713, married Dor-
cas , born 1728, died July 22, 181 1. Tlieir children were

Thomas Bellows, born May 2, 1755.

Hannah Bellows, born Dec. 6, 1756.

David Bellows, born ^'lay 8, 1760.

Asa Bellows, born June 15, 1762.

Anna Bellows, bora July 7, 1764, married Richard Bushnell
of Norwich.

Ephraim Bellows, born July 14, 1766.

Lydia Bellows, bora jMay 14, 1767; married.

Asa Bellows, born June 15, 1762, married Lydia Kellum,
daughter of Capt. Samuel and Thankful Rose Kellum. . They had
five children — Thomas, Lucy, David, Lydia, Laura.

Some of the above named persons are buried in the old
churchyard near the Bill parsonage. [E. G.]

THE BILLINGS FAMILY.

The family from which the Billingses of Ledyard and neigh-
boring towns are descended, settled first in Eastern Massachu-
setts, later in New London, and later still in Stonington.

The earliest immigrant to this country was William Billings,
who located in Dorchester, Mass., in 1654, and was married to
Mary — — in 1658. They had several children, among them Will-
iam, Joseph and Lydia. It is uncertain whether these children
were born in Massachusetts or Connecticut.

Their son, Ebenezer Billings, of the second generation, was
born in 1659. He settled in Stonington and became an influen-
tial man in that town, frequently holding office as a magistrate.
Large grants of land were made to him, lying chiefly in what is
now North Stonington. He was married in 1680 to Ann Com-

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. lOI

stock. Their children were Ann, Ebenezer, James, Zipporah,
Margaret, Jemima and Increase.

Their son. Increase Billings, of the third generation, was
born in 1697. Like his father before him he was prominent in
military and civil affairs. He was married in 1726 to Hannah
Hewitt. Their children were Andrew, Stephen, Increase, Abi-
gail, Lucy, Tabitha, Jemima, Sophia and Jaheel. After the
death of Mrs. B. in 1751, Mr. B. was married to Sarah Perkins,
widow of Robert Stoddard.

Stephen Billings, son of Increase B. and Hannah Hewitt, of
the fourth generation, was born in 1723. He resided in North
Groton (Ledyard). He was married in 1746 to Bridget Grant.
By her he had six children. Mrs. B. and her infant child died
in 1762; and Mr. B. was married to Mary Avery, widow of
Youngs Ledyard. Three children were the fruit of this marriage.
This second wife died in 1787; and Mr. B. was married the third
time to Martha Denison. 'She died in 1808, and he, in 1814.

Stephen Billings, 2d, son of Stephen B. and Bridget Grant,
of the fifth generation, was born in 1750. He entered the Army
of the Revolution as a sergeant in 1775, participated in the battle
of Bunker Hill, served through the entire war, and was honorably
discharged at the close of it, holding the office of captain at the
time. He was married, in 1774, tO' Cynthia Hewitt. By her he
had four sons and one daughter. She died in 1786, aged 28.
In 1787 he was married to Anna Raymond, by whom he had four
daughters and one son — also a child that died in infancy.

Stephen Billings, 3rd, of the sixth generation, son of Stephen
B., 2nd, and Cynthia Hewitt, was born in 1781. He resided in
North Groton (Ledyard). He was a captain in the War of
1812-15; and later was colonel of militia. He was married, in
1809, to Martha Allyn. Their children were Cynthia, Hannah,
Adelia, Anna, Patty or Martha, Stephen, James Allyn, Henrietta.
James Allyn Billings, of the seventh generation, son of
Stephen B., 3rd, and Martha Allyn, was born in 1821. (See
biographical sketch of him). He was married, in 1852, to Mar-
garet J. Allyn. Their children were Martha, Mary J., Stephen
A., and Anna E.

I02

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

THE BILL FAMILY.

The name is one of the oldest in English annals. Members
of this family lived in the Counties Kent, Shropshire, Stafford-
shire, Yorkshire and in Wales ; likewise in London, Birmingham
and Manchester. At the present time there are about as many
persons living in England bearing the name as in this country.
The first of whom we have a full and authentic account is
one Dr. Thomas Bill, who was born about 1490, though the
name has been traced back to the year 1300 when surnames first
came into general use. This Dr. Thomas was a physician. He
was in attendance at one time during an illness of Princess
Elizabeth in 1549. He achieved the distinction of a B. A. in
1524; in 1548 he received the degree of M. A. He travelled for
several years on the Continent," and attended medical lectures
and received the degree of M. D. from the celebrated university
founded by Emperor Charlemagne at Pavia, Italy.

He was physician to Henry VIII. and Edward VI,; from the
latter he received a grant of £100 per annum. He died 1551.
William Bill, LL. D., a brother, bom about 1505, was edu-
cated at St. John's
College under Sir
John Chekes, who
later gave him a let-
ter of introduction
to Queen Anne
Boleyn, wherein he
spoke of him as a
"learned and honest
man, plentifully en-
dowed A\-ith knowl-
edge and of exem-
plary morals." He
received several de-
grees from said col-
lege and later was,
on recommendation
of Lord Somerset,

Rev. William Bill, D. D.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. IO3

elected master president of the college. In 1547 he received the
degree of D. D., and became vice-chancelloir of the University,
1548-9. In 1551 he was appointed master of Trinity College.
After the accession of Queen Mary, he was in disfavor on account
of his protestantism, but when Queen Elizabeth came into, power
he was again in favor and preached the next Sunday after her
accession, Nov. 20, 1558, at St. Paul's Cross, and soon after was
made the Queen's almoner and was, by command of the Queen,
on June 30, 1560, installed as Dean of Westminster. He died
on July 15, 1561, and was buried on the 20th, in St. Benedict's
Chapel in Westminster Abbey. No other person ever held, at
the same time, the positions of master of Trinity, provost of
Eton, and Dean of Westminster. (His tomb has been visited
by Frederic Bill, On diiiferent occasions, when in London.)

Charles Bill, born in London about 1550, a son of the pre-
ceding, was a celebrated Latin scholar and was made the suc-
cessor of Sir Thoinas Smith as Latin secretary to the King.

John Bill, son of the above, was borti: in 1576, and appears in
London, in 1613, as a "Publisher to His most excellent Majestic
King James the 1st." One of the earliest books, printed by him,
was one by King James himself. A copy of this volume may
be seen at the New York Society Library in University Place,
New York City. From 1607 to 1700, the names of this John,
and then that of his son, Charles, appear as publishers. They
printed Bibles and prayer books for the use of churches, besides
sermons and various miscellaneous work. The printing of the
Bible was only allowed by royal permission, and both John and
Charles had that right for many years. As many as twelve
different editions of the Bibles published by them, ranging from
large folios to i8mos. in size, can, even now, be seen at the
American Bible House on Fourth avenue in New York City.
The writer likewise has several examples of their work. The
first news sheet, as such, ever printed, was the "English
Mercuric." and it is believed John Bill printed it. It is certain,
however, that he printed the first "London Gazette," in time of
Charles II.

I04 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

John Bill, son of above, came to America in 1633, followed
by his children in 1635 on the "Hopewell," and settled in Salem
or vicinity of Boston. His son, James, settled at what is now
known as Winthrop, then called Pullen Point, and owned large

Hon. Richard Bill.

tracts of land there, and his next neighbor was Mr. Deane Win-
throp, son of Gov. ^^'inthrop, Sr. The old boinid made by three
walls in Winthrop, at one corner of his farm, was standing in
1894, as was also the old house where one of his sons lived.

Richard Bill was born in Boston, March 25, 1685, and was
married on June 30, 1709, to Sarah Davis, daughter of Maj.
Benj. Davis, His wife died April 24, 1727, aged 49 years. His

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I05

second wife was Miss M. Minot. This Mr. Bill was a pros-
perous merchant, doing business on Gornhill, near the post-
office in Boston. He was a noted citizen of his day and genera-
tion and widely known to all the people of the Bay Colony. He
was a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company
in 1707. In 1720 he was a lieutenant of the company, and later
captain of one of the local military organizations. In 1714 he
was a member of the Commission having to do' with the Abenaki
Indians who dwelt partly in New Hampshire and partly in the
Bay Colony. In 1741, and for several years prior thereto — five
years in all — he was a member of the Colonial Governor's Coun-
cil and a warm friend and neighbor of John Hancock, James Otis,
Paul Revere and Dr. Warren. His portrait, given here, is a copy
from a painting by John Singleton Copley, a celebrated artist
of those days. A duplicate of said painting, presented by Led-
yard Bill in i8g8 to the State, now hangs on the walls of the
capitol in Boston. He was the owner of "Spectacle Island" in
Boston harbor and several houses in Boiston. He gave his
daughter, Elizabeth, who married Joshua Henshaw, Junior, of
Boston, a house on Sudbury Street, as a wedding present. He
died in 1757.

Philip Bill was living in Ipswich, where John Winthrop, Jr.,
had also lived before going to' New London. Philip returned
with Winthrop to occupy a portion of the grant of land which
Winthrop had obtained from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
The latter held a Commission tO' begin a plantation which was
bo'unded "Easterly from the Thames river four miles and North-
erly from the sea six miles."*

Passing rapidly, Joshua was the son of Philip, Phineas was
the son of Joshua, and Joshua, 2d, was the soin of Phineas. This
Joshua, 2d, was born 14th May, 1762. He was wounded at the
battle of Groton Heights, and one Dr. Crary dressed his woiunds.
He received a pension from the Government, but not till many
years after the battle. He died on 20th Dec, 1841.

Gurdon Bill, Sr., the son of the above Joshua, was born in
Groton (Ledyard), Jan. 18, 1784. He had few advantages in his

*See Wheeler's History of Stonington,

I06 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

early life. He decided upon obtaining an Academic education,
and to this end attended Plainfield Academy. Later he taught
school seven successive winters and worked on a farm during the
summers. He taught the first grammar school ever taught in
Groton. While teaching school in Stonington he was called out
as a "minute man" to do guard duty near the harbor. The
British f^eet lay off the town and made an attack. A boatload

c^.

^:^€y?zi!^^yp^

of liritish soldiers gained the land and he, with others, who were
sheltered by a stone wall near the shore opened fire whereupon
the invaders took to their heels and to the boat and rowed back
to the fleet, but in their haste to get safely away they dropped
several guns and acco-utrements ; one of the guns captured he
had as a trophy and it is still kept in the family as a souvenir of
that affair in the \A'ar of 1812. He. however, was never mustered
into the government service and did duty only during the at-
tack on Stomington. He was engaged for a time in the whole-
sale fish trade at the old "Fly Market" in New York Citv.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. IO7

Leaving there he returned to Groton and entered the mercantile
business in the store which now stands opposite the "parsonage."
This business he conducted successfully for a number of years.
In those days the spinning of cotton yarn for the mills at Jewett
City, engaged the attention of many, families, and he procured
every two weeks from those factories a supply which was dis-
tributed among the people in North Groton for spinning. Tliis
product he returned to the mills regularly and this grew tO' quite
a large business in itself. He finally bought a part of twoi farms
lying adjacent to his store, one of which was the old Bishop
Seabury place. This Seabury house, now destroyed, was the first
parsonage in America. The house on the other place nearest
the store, he had remodelled for his own use and at considerable
cost for those days. He employed Isaac Gallup tO' do' the work.
In the second story he had made a large hall for the accommoda-
tion of the M'asomic . Lxjdge, of which he was the master, and
which since has served as a place for lectures, meetings, dancing,
and in later years as a place where the trustees of the Bill Library
have held their annual dinners. The Lodge was moved tO' Mystic
Bridge.

He married in Aug., 1821, Miss Lucy Yerrington, of Preston,
Conn.

He represented Groton in the General Assembly of 1828. He
was a Democrat in politics and a metn'ber of the Univer-
salist Church of Norwich, Conn., of which church he, in 1820,
with David Tracy, H. K. Park and Paul Harvey, was among the
founders-. He died Sept. 10, 1856, and wais buried in the
family lot in Ledyard, with Masonic honors by members of
Norwich fraternity. The lodge for which he had built a home
was later located in the lower village of Mystic where it now
flourishes; He left a large family of children, threfe of whom
died early and eight arrived at maturity. Two daug'hters, Eliza
and Harriet, died at the ages of 16 and 18, respectively. The
others were : —

Edward M. Bill, the oldest son, born April, 1822. He learned
the carpenter's trade and for a while was located in Norwich and
then travelled West, where he married and settled in Iowa, rais-

I08 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LED YARD.

ing a family. He was a member of the Iowa Senate for four
years, their terms of office being two years. He was also super-
intendent of schools of Munroe County for several years. He
died in 1886.

Henry Bill — See biographical sketches.

Gurdon Bill, Jr., was boni June 7, 1827, and remained on
the farm until the age of eighteen, after which he engaged in the
sale of books for several years, travelling in many of the Western
States, also in New England and the British Provinces. He then
engaged with his brother Henry in the publishing business. In
the year 1855 he removed tO' Springfield, Mass., and entered the
publishing business on his own account, and continued success-
fully in that line until the year 1868 when he sold out to his
brother Charles. Later on he became interested in the paper,
envelope and other manufacturing enterprises. In 1871 he rep-
resented Springfield in the General Court, and in 1885 became
the president of the Springfield and New London Railroad Co.,
and vice-president of the Connecticut A'alley Railroad, until the
latter road was sold to the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co. For
several years he was the president of the Second National Bank
of Springfield; in igoo he resigned.

He gave to the City of Springfield the soldiers' monument
located on Court Square in said city. By economy and business
sagacity, Mr. Bill has gathered an ample fortune. He married
May 12, 1853, Emily A. D^nison, daughter of Nathan Fish
Denison, of Groton. She died Feb. 17, 1879. They had chil-
dren : —

Nathan D., b. Oct. 12, 1855, m. Ruth Wight, and lives in
Springfield, Mass.

Harriet E., b. Aug. 21, 1857, m- George D. Button, and lives
in Pittsfield, Mass.

Mary A., b. Sept. 15, 1859, m. E. Howard Beach. She died
Jan. 24, 1889.

Edward E., b. Feb 22, 1862, single, and lives in Springfield,
Mass.

Charles G., b. Feb. 13, 1870, m, Susan P, Marsh, and lives in
Unionville, Conn,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. lOQ

Frederic Bill was born in 1833. His early life was spent
upon the home farm. He was educated in the public schools,
Roberts' Academy at Poquetanuck and Suffield Literary Insti-
tute. He afterwards taught school in the "Lester" district in the
western part of the town. Though successful as a teacher, he
chose a more active life, and travelled in the British Provinces,
visiting Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Ed-
ward's Island, subsequently spending a considerable time in the
South and West in the sale of books. In 1856 he engaged in
the publishing business in Springfield, Mass., in connection with
his brother Gurdo-n, who was already established there. In 1858
he spent a winter in Cuba, and in the spring'of the same year,
married Lucy G. Dennison, daughter of Nathan F. Dennison, of
Mystic, Conn. At the beginning of the Civil War he disposed
of his interest in the publishing business. In 1865 he became
interested in the importation and manufacture of linen goods
under the firm name of Tracy & Bill, with a place of business
on Franklin street, New York City. After a few years he bought
O'Ut his partner and continued the business alone, until 1873,
when he disposed of his entire interest and retired fro^m com-
mercial life. Soon afterward he made a tour of Europe with
his wife, spending a year abroad. Since 1872 he has resided in
Groton, Conn., near the mouth of the river Thames. His wife
died in April, 1894. In August, 1895, he married Julia O. Avery,
daughter of E. D. Avery, oi Groton, immediately going abroad,
visiting many countries on the continent, including Norway,
Sweden and Spain, extending his tour to the far East and the
river Nile. In 1888 he presented to the village of Groton a
library in memory of his deceased sisters, which was incor-
porated under the title of the Bill Memorial Library, and in 1890
erected a granite library building at a cost, including grounds,
etc., of nearly twenty thousand dollars, which he also presented
to the trustees of the library. Subsequently, he gave the board
of trustees ten thousand dollars as an endowment fund. He is a
director in the Chelsea Savings Bank, of Norwich, and in other
institutions. He has always declined political preferment.

no HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Ledyard Bill, born in 1836. He was brought up on the farm
with one season's "working out" for Isaac Avery "thrown in."
It was the rule of his 'father that his boys should have a taste of
going away from home to work. It was and is a wholesome rule
in the case of boys. He attended school at Norwich and
Sufifield Academy for a brief period, and then naturally drifted
into the business of travelling and selling books. This was fol-
lowed for a number of years in about all portions of the country.
Finally he was encouraged to settle in Louisville, Ky., with a
branch publishing office at that place. He remained there till
the Civil War broke out, but, before leaving, he with several other
Union men in that city, established the first Union League Club
in this country, in time of that war. This society flourished, and
saved that border state, it was believed, from secession. Later
he removed to New York City where he opened an office at
10 Spruce street, and afterwards, at 75 Fulton street, and con-
tinued publishing. He was married in June, 1872, tO' Miss
Sophia Earle, in Brooklyn, N. Y. Subsequently, he gave up
business and removed tO' Paxton, Mass., where he still resides.

Mr. Bill has been for about twent}- years chairman of the se-
lectmen and chairman of the school board, saying nothing of the
other lo'cal offices held, temporarily filled, such as town treasurer,
town clerk, and overseer of the poor. In 1891 he represented his
district, comprising five towns, in the General Court at Boston,
and was the chairman of the committee on agriculture, and
also a member of that on printing. In 1894 he was chosen to
the Senate as a Republican in a previously strong Democratic
district. This district comprised 19 towns — three of which,
Webster, Southbridge and Spencer, are large manufacturing
towns and nearly eligible to promotion as cities. He led every
person associated with him on the ticket and redeemed the dis-
trict. In the Senate he was the chairman on engrossed bills,
member of the committee on education, chairman of roads and
bridges, a member of committee on agriculture, and sundry other
special committees. In 1895 he was re-elected from the Fourth
Worcester County district to the State Senate at Boston, without
difficulty. He defeated the "Salary Grab" measure in the House

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. Ill

in 1891, thereby saving to the State over $70,000.00 per year, also
defeated the sportsmen's game law and caused to be enacted the
oleomargerin act. In 1894, in the Senate, as chairman of the
committee on roads and bridges of the State, he advocated "good
roads," and secured, after a hard and prolonged contest, an ap-
propriation of $200,000., being the first dollar ever granted in the
United States by any State Legislature for State roads, pure
and simple. In 1895 he advocated a larger sum, which was given,
viz., $300,000. It has now become the policy of the State and
to date, something over two millions have been appropriated and
over two hundred miles have been constructed at an average
cost of about ten thousand dollars per mile for a macadam hig'h-
way. Other states have fallen intoi line and, eventually, this
country will have fine carriage roiads. Mr. Bill defeated the
tuberculin act which was abont to sweep the State before much
was known as to its merits. Instead of being mandatory the
statute is now permissive. Mr. Bill has been mentioned of late
years as a possible candidate for Congress.- He is a member of
the Society of American Authors of New York ; a corresponding
member of New England Historic-Genealo'gical Society, of Bos-
ton; an honorary member of the Wisconsin Historical Society; a
member of the corporation of the Mechanics Savings Bank, of
Worcester, Mass.; chairman of the Third Congressional District
Republican Committee ; a member of the Republican State
Committee, declining further service ; vice-president of the Wor-
cester County Agricultural Society, when in its most flourishing
condition; was on the committee to dispose of its fair grounds,
obtaining $185,000.00 for the same ; president of the Oraskaso
Historical Society of Worcester County, Massachusetts, for sev-
eral years ; a member of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of the
American Revolution of Massachusetts ; a member of the Wor-
cester County Horticultural Society, alsO' of the Fruit Growers'
Association of Massachusetts, and original projector and member
of the Bay State Agricultural Society ; gave the soldiers' monu-
ment, now standing in his native town, to the town on July 4,
1873 ; was instrumental in establishing the free public library in
his adopted town in Massachusetts.

112 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

He has written several volumes, namely: One on Florida,
also one on Minnesota, one on the town of Paxton, Mass., and
compiled a volume on the Civil War, and a genealogy of the
Bill family in this country.

Charles Bill, Ph. B., the youngest of the children of Gurdon
Bill, Sr,, wais born June 7th, 1840 and lived at home till 1856,

Charles Bill, Ph. B.

when he entered the State NoiTnal School at New Britain, Conn.,
where he remained one year when he entered the Norwich Free
Acajdemy, ait which school he continued till time of his gradua-
tion in June, 1861. He was the valedictorian of his class. 'He
entered Yale in the fall of 1861, taking a scientific course, grad-
uating in 1864, taking the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy.
He won at Yale three prize medals in the course of his studies,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. II3

one for declamation, one for the best examination in the naitural
sciences and one as an essayist. He was later offered a profes-
sorship in an educational institution in York State, but on ac-
count of his health declined. He decided upon an outdoor
occupation and cO'mmenced the sale of books by subscription ;
finally locating in Chicago, Illinois, at 132 South Clark street,
having a general publishing agency. In 1868 he succeeded his
brother, Gurdon, in the publishing business in Springfield,
Massachusetts, under the firm name of Bill, Nichols & Company.
In 1869-70, he, in connection with his brother, last named,
erected a large iron block on Main street, in said city. Soon
after its completion he met with a serious accident, caused by a
gas explosion in the building, which nearly cost him his life. It
was a couple of years ere he recovered his usual health, mean-
while he disposed of his business tO' his partners and set sail for
Europe, spending a year and more abroad, visiting all portions
of Europe and the Holy Land, including a voyage up the Nile.
He returned in 1874, somewhat improved in health. He after-
wards repeated in part his European tour.

He was a member of the National Academy of Science ; also
a member of the Yale Alumni Association of the Connecticut
Valley ; was a member of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of
the American Revolution ; and of the American Economic As-
sociation ; also of the Science Association of Springfield ; and of
the Winthrop and Nyassett Clubs of that city ; a member of the
Apalachian Club of New England. He was fond of out-do'or life
and was a well-known amateur ornithologist. He was a member
of the South Congregational Church in Springfield, Mass.
He made a trip in the winter of 1897 to Florida, and on his return
was taken ill at Lithia Springs, Georgia, where he died after a
brief illness on April 15, 1897. His public benefactions were
many, chief of which were those to the church and library of his
native town and six thousand dollars to city hospital of
Springfield, and seven thousand dollars to found a free scholar-
ship in Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass. The place of his
interment was in the family lot at the old homestead in his native
town.

114 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

THE BOLLES FAMILY.

(By Amos Hdblbut).

Robinson Bolles, oldest child of Amos and Abigail (Smith)
Bolles, was bom in New London County, Jan. 25, 1766. vWhen
a small boy he went to live with his grandfather, James Smith.
He was married Nov. 26, 1789, to Hannah Stoddard. They lived
at Gale's Ferry, on the plot of ground now owned by Mr. Frank
Brown. In 1810, Mr. and Mrs. Bolles, with nine children, moved
to Rush, Susquehannah Co., Pa. They made the journey with
their own team, drawn by horses, in twenty-one days, every one
of which was rainy. Some of the way their route was through
a wilderness where there were no roads, and their course was
indicated by marked trees. They located about eight miles from
Montrose, the present county seat, near Wyalusing Creek. Deer
were very plenty in the region ; and it was no uncommon thing
to hear wolves howling about their cabin at night. Mr. Bolles
established the first tannery in the region; and it was patronized
by the people for many miles around. His sons cleared away
the forests; and divided their time between hunting, fishing,
trapping and farming. The miller, not far away, was generally
glad to exchange meal and flour for the meat which they had to
dispose of ; so that their larder was always well supplied. Once
every year — usually in the winter — they carried a load of meat,
furs and leather to New York City. Mr. John A. Bolles, in
"The Bolles' Genealogy," says : "In the spring of i860 I visited
Fairdale and the vicinity, in which reside the children of Robin-
son and Hannah (Stoddard) Bolles ; and a more vigorous and
manly race I never saw. The men were farmers, all of them
above the medium height — most of them upwards of six feet — ^and
had never tasted ardent spirits or tobacco. I felt proud of this
branch of our tribe."

Mr. Bolles died at Rush, Pa., Jan. 28, 1842, aged 76. Mrs.
B. died at Jessup, Pa., Nov. 20, 1852, aged 84.

Their children were

Hannah, b. Aug. 29, 1790, d. April 25, 1792.
Simeon A., b. Oct. 13, 1792.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. II5

Maria, b. Sept. 26, 1794.
Abel, b. Dec. 14, 1796.
Nelson, b. May 25, 1799.
Elkanah, b. April 28, 1801.
Hannah, b. Sept. 9. 1803.
John, b. Sept. 5, 1805.
James S., b. July 28, 1807.
Nancy L., b. May 17, 1809.

Amy Bolles, second child of Amos and Abigail (Smith) BoUes,
married Benjamin Bill May 9, 1791. They lived near the present
residence of Mr. Moses Baily. They had two children — ^Fanny
Bolles and Sarah. Mr. Bill was lost at sea in the month of
January, 1795. Mrs. Bill was married in 1803, toi Jonathan
Stoddard, by whom she had one child, Hester. With this daugh-
ter, at the old homestead, Mrs. Bill spent the closing years of her
life. She died Feb. 11, 1861, at the age of 93.

THE BREWSTER FAMILY.

The Brewsters of Ledyard and vicinity, also' many bear-
ing other names, such as Avery, Crary, Gallup, Morgan, Roach
are descendants of Elder William Brewster, who' was the spiritual
leader of the Mayflower Pilgrims, who established the first per-
manent settlement in New England, at Plymouth, Mass., in the
year 1620. He and his associates in this enterprise were fugitives
from religious persecution^ They were originally from Scrooby
arid adjacent towns in the east part of England. They had
spent a dozen year's in Holland before coming to America. But
not finding in that country all that they desired they concluded
to try their fortunes in the new world. From the time thait they
left their homes in the father-land on for a good many years they
experienced great privations and hardships, but at length suc-
ceeded in establishing upon thiis continent a colony that has been
instrumental of unspeakable good to our own land and to the
world.

Brewster was pre-eminently^ leader, not only in spiritual,
but teinpoml things in this exceedingly difficult undertaking.

Il6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

ThoLigh a man of education and refinement,, educated at Cam-
bridge University, and originally possessed of a large estate, he
freely consented to share with his fellow-pilgrims in the indigni-
ties and penalties that were heaped upon them by tyranical op-
pressors, as well as in the arduous labors and extreme sufferings
necessarily incident to the planting of a colony 3,000 miles from
home, across a stormy ocean, in an unsubdued wilderness and in
the presence of untamed savages. Yet he had the happiness of
seeing his labors crowned with success, and prospects opening be-
fore him and his fellows of the most encouraging character. He
was one of the Mayflower Pilgrims who lived to see not a few
of the fruits of their great self-denial and arduous toil. As he
drew near the end of life in 1643-4, some of the accomplished re-
sults which he had the pleasure of witnessing were : "A Chris-
tian colony planted ; the savage foe, to a large extent, appeased,
conciliated, and, in several cases, encouragingly influenced by
Christian instruction and example. From that one poor settlement
had others arisen, now numbering eight towns. Instead of one
small church, he could behold eight Christian folds, with their
pastors. In room of the small number of fifty souls, spared
through the first season, were now eight thousand, with a con-
stitution, established laws, and a government defined. Along
with their churches, he had witnessed the establishment of
schools, to be the glory of New England ; and not only these, but
a college, and its graduating classes, showing their purpose, that
freedom, education and religion should go hand in hand."

(Steele's Life of William Brewster. Page 382).

William Brewster was born about 1560, and died at his home
in Duxbury in 1644, aged 84. His wife, Mary (Love?), died at
Plymouth, where the family then resided, between 1623 and 1627.

Their children : —

1. Jonathan, b. at Scrooby, m. (probably in Holland).
Lucretia (Oldham), d. 1661 ; buried at Brewster's Neck, near
Poquetanuck Cove. Mrs. B. d. 1671.

2. Love, b. (proibably in Holland), m. May 15, 1634, Sarah
Collier; had four children; lived to 1650.

3. Wrestling. The following things are probably true of him :

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I17

m. 1630, Emla Story — settled in Portsmouth, N. H. — had a
daughter b. May 3, 1636, named Love Lucretia, d. in 1636, or
soon after.

4. Fear, m. about 1625 Isaac Allerton; had one son, Isaac; d.
1632.

5. Patience, m. 1629, Thomas Prince ; had three daughters ; d.
1634.

Jonathan Brewster, son of Elder William B. (1560-1644),
settled first in Duxbury, Mass., and became a leading man in
the affairs of the town. About 1649 he moved to New London,
and later to Brewster's Neck, where, on land purchased of
Uncas, the chief of the Mohegans, he established a Trading
Post.

Children of Jonathan and Lucretia Brewster : —

1. William, b., m. and settled in Duxbury.

2. Mary, b. 1625, m. 1645, John Turner, of Scituate.

3. Benjamin, m. 1659, Ann Dart, of New London.

4. Elizabeth, m. 1654, Peter Bradley, second, Christophers, of
New London. .

5. Grace, m. 1659, Daniel Wetherell, of New London.

6. Ruth, m. 1648, John Picket, of New London, second
Charles Hill.

Children of Benjamin and Ann (Dart) Brewster, who prob-
ably resided at Brewster's Neck : —

1. Ann, b. 1662.

2. Jonathan, b. 1664.

3. Daniel, b. 1667, m. 1686, Hannah Gager.

4. William, b. 1669.

5. Ruth, b. 1671.

6. Benjamin, b. 1673.

7. Elizabeth, b. 1676.

Benjamin Brewster died 1710, aged T].

Benjamin Brewster (1633-1710), who married Ann Dart, had
a son Jonathan (b. 1664, m. Judith Stephens), who had a son
Joseph (m. Dorothy Witter), who had a son Nathan, who had a
son Nathan who was the father of the late Franklin Brewster, of
Ledyard,

Il8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LED YARD.

Joseph Brewster, who married Dorothy Witter, had. a son
Jabez (1747-1802), who had a son John (1782-1848), who was
the father of Hon. John Brewster, now (1900) living in Ledyard.

Children of Daniel (b. 1667) and Hannah (Gager) Brewster: —

1. Hannah, b. 1690.

2. Mary, b. 1692.

3. John, b. 1695, m. 1725, Dorothy Treat, daughter of Rev.
Salmon Treat.

4. Jerusha, b. 1697, d. 1705.

5. Ruth, b. 1701.

6. Bethia, b. 1702.

7. Jonathan, b. 1705.

8. Jerusha, b. 1710, d. 171 1.

9. Ebenezer, b. 1713.
Daniel Brewster died 1737.

Children of John (b. 1695), and Dorothy (Treat) Brewster,
who lived some two miles south-west of Preston City : —

1. Oliver, b. 1726.

2. Dorothy, b. 1727. »

3. Hannah, b. 1728, d. 1736.

4. Daniel, b. 1731.

5. Sarah, b. 1733, m. Moses Parke, of Preston.

6. Sybil, b. 1735.

7. John, b. 1737, d. 1752.

8. Eunice, b. 1740, m. Oliver Crary.

9. Levi, b. 1743, d. 1750.

10. Asaph, b. 1746.

Sarah Brewster, daughter of John and Dorothy, who married
Moses Parke, had a d'aughter Parthenia, who married Stephen
Morgan, of North Groton. This Stephen Morgan was the
grandfather of Stephen Morgan, now resident in Ledyard.

Eunice Brewster (1740-18-), daughter of John and Dorothy
(treat) Brewster, married Oliver Crary. .Tlieir children-—
Oliver, m. Desire Ayer, had three sons and one daughter
Ehsha, m. Nabby Avery, had five so«s and two daughters
Sarah, m. Robert S, Avery, had five sons and three daughters

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. II9

Dorothy, m. Amos Avery, had four sons and four daughters.
Nancy, second wife of Robert S. Avery, had no children.

[E. G.]

THE FANNING FAMILY.

About the year 1635-40, Edniond Fanning arrived in Ameri-
ca and took his place among the early pioneers; he was fol-
lowed by a son of the same, and he by a grandson bearing the
Christian name of his grandfather.

A son of the third PZdmond had a son William, and he a son
George.

George Fanning was the first of this family settling in North
Groton, near Lantern Hill, about 1770. He married Eunice
Barnes. They had three children, viz. : Eunice, James (b. Aug.
5, 1772) and Keturah.

These children were left fatherless at an early age. The date
of his death is not given on the head stone which marks his grave.
His widow died Aug. 21, 1829.

The son James was early in life bound to Caleb Tyler, of
Preston, with whom he lived till the age of twenty-one, suffer-
ing many hardships, as was sometimes wont to be the case under
like circumstances. After leaving Mr. Tyler he learned the car-
penter's trade and followed that occupation for a number of
years. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Williams and located
in Preston, where five children were born tO' them, viz. : George,
James, Phebe, William, and Isaac.

This family, later on, moved intoi North Groton (now Led-
yard), and settled on a farm purchased of one Nathaniel Brown,
his wife's grandfather, being the same place now occupied by
Lyman A. Latham, about one mile and a half north-easterly fro^m
the Bill parsonage. On this farm he lived during the remainder of
his life. He died quite suddenly on July 9, 1839, of heart disease.
His son William was born Dec. 14, 1808, and was married
July 21, 1836, to Mary Ann Gallup, of Ledyard. He remained
on the old homestead and was an industrious farmer. In 1863
he was chosen to represent the town in the General Assembly at
Hartford. Later he moved to the William Williams farm,

I20

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

located in the northerly part of Ledyard. This farm is noted
as being the birthplace of the notable Silas Deane, minister to
France in the time of the Revolution.

Mr. Fanning died May i, 1880, of heart trouble. His son
George Fanning, born Oct. 4, 1837, married Mary A. Spicer,
daughter of Capt. Edmund Spicer, of Ledyard, April 16, 1862.
They have several children, some of whom are married. Mr.
Fanning occupies the farm of his father and finds time to run a
small store at Shewville, formerly known as "Ayer's Mills," and
is the post-master at that place. For many years Mr. Fanning
has taught school in his native town, and was a well-known and

popular teacher, and is a
member of the school
board of the town and
served as acting school
visitor and secretary for
many years of the board.
In 1880 was chosen judge
of probate for the town,
serving continuoush- for
ten years. Mr. Fanning is
the president of Bill Li-
brary board of trustees.
He is known as a very
capable man, far above the
average of men holding
positions of trust and in-
fluence in like rural com-
munities. The names of
their children follow, viz. •
Mary Bethiah, was born March 19, 1863 and married July
II, 1894, Walter A. Waterman, who was a graduate of Yale in
class of 1894, and is now a teacher in the "Dwight" school, New
York. They reside in Mt. A'ernon, N. Y.. and have four children
Fannie Elizabeth, born Nov. 24, 1864, and lives in Hartford
Susan Elida, born Sept. 21, 1866, m-arried Christopher Allyn
Brown, 2d, Sept. 21, 1866.. They lived in Gale's Ferry He

George Fanning, Esq.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES.

121

was a merchant there and died Feb. 26, 1890, leaving a widow
and two children.

William Edmund, born June 27, 1870, was married to Ada
Marie Motley, of Noirwich, May 24, 1893. They live in Hart-
ford where he is the proprietor of a steam laundry. They have
three children.

Hattie Eunice, born Dec. 18, 1872, married William S.
Thomas, March 10, 1898, and live in Groton, near Poquonock
Bridge. [G. F.]

THE GALLUP FAMILY.

The first ancestor of the Gallup families, now residing in
Ledyard, was John, who came to Boston from county Dorset,
England, in 1630. He lived in Boston or vicinity, and died there
in 1650.

His son John came to New London, 1650, and settled upon
land granted him in Stonington in 1654, which was named
"Whitehall," and is midway between Old Mystic and Mystic.
He was miarried, in 1643, ^^ Hannah Lake, and was killed in the
great swamp fight at Narragansett in 1675.

His son Benadam married Esther Prentice and lived and died,
in 1727, at "Whitehall." His son (Lieut.) Benadam, born 1693,

married Eunice Cobb in
1716, was the first to settle
in Groton (now Ledyard),
upon a grant of land said
to contain about 1,000
acres. He at first lived in
a log house, upon a part of
the grant now owned by
Joseph Albert Gallup,
his gre'at-grandson ; about
1730 he built the large and
commodious house, now
occupied by Augustus O.
Ackley, which was long
used as a tavern stand, it
The Gallup Homestead. being on the old post-road

122 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

commanding a fine view of the sound, Atlantic Ocean and Long
Island. His son Benadam, bom Oct., 1716, married Hannah
Avery, 1740, and built, in 1751, the house now occupied by his
greait-grandson, Joseph Albert Gallup. Col. Nathan Gallup (son
of Lieut. Benadam), born 1727, married Sarah Giddings, in 1749,
and the same year built the house occupied by his grandson,
Dwight Gallup, until it was demolished in 1876, and the present
one built. These two farms, which contain about 400 acres, are
all of the original grant, that is left in the Gallup name. There
have been many deacons among the descendants of Col. Bena-
dam, but few ministers. Rev. James A. Gallup, of Madison (a
great-grandson), being, I think, the only one bearing the Gallup
name.

Rev. Salmon McCall was a great-grandson. The present
deacons of the Ledyard Congregational Church are descendants
— Nathan S. Gallup, a great-grandson, and Isaac G. Geer and
Russell Gallup great-great-granidsons.

Gallup Land Grants.
"A Session of the General Court held at Hartford October
I2th, 1671.

"John Gallop is Granted a hundred Acres of Land, for his
Service in the Pequott Warr, Provided he take it up where it
may not prejudice any former Grant, Granted tO' any Plantation
or Particular person.

"A True Copy of Record,

"Test George Wyllys Secretary."

"Att a Session of the General Court held in Hartford Octo-
ber loth, 1678

"Upon the Petition of Mirs. Hannah Gallop and as a recom-
pense for great loss She hath Sustained,

"This Court db see cause to Grant unto the said Mrs. Gallop
aforesaid and her heirs, the Sum of Two hundred Acres of land,
which she may Take up in Two places provided She do not
take it up where it may prejudice any former grant to any parti-
cular person or Plantation.

"A True Copy of Record,

"Test George Wyllys Secretary."

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I23

In the colo'iiial records at Hartford may be found the fol-
lowing :

"February 9, 1652-3, John Gallup, in consideration and with
respect unto the services his father hath done for the country,
hath given him up the river of Mistick, which side he will 300
acres of upland. February 6, 1653-4, John Gallup, hath given
him a further addition to his land at Mistick, 150 acres, which he
accepts of and acknowledgeth himself satisfyde for what lands
he formerly laide claim unto upon the general neck as a gift of
his father's which as he saith was given toi his father by General
Stoughton after the Pequott War."

Benadam Gallup's Military Commission Lieutenant.

"Joseph Tallcott Esq ; Governor and Commander in Chief of
His Majesties Colony of Connecticut in New England

"To Benadam Gallop, Genit, Greeting You being by the Gen-
eral Assembly oi this Colony, Accepted to be Lieutenant of the
2d Company or Trainband in the town of Groton, Reposing
Special Trtist and Confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and
good Conduct; I do by Virtue of the Letters Patents from the
Crown of England to this Corporation, We thereuntoi Enabling,
Appoint and Impower You to^ take the said Company intoi your
Care and Charge, as Their Lieutenant Carefully and Diligently
to Discharge that Trust ; Exercising your Inferior Officers, and
Soldiers in the Use of their Arms, according tO' the Discipline of
War ; Keeping them in good Order and Government, and Com-
manding Them to Obey You as Their Lieutenant for His Ma-
jesty's Service.

"And you are to Observe all such Orders and Directions, as
from Time to Time you shall Receive either froim Me, or from
other your Superior Officer, pursuant tO' the Trust hereby Re-
posed in you. Given under my hand and the Seal of this Colony,
in Hartford the 29th Day of May, In the Sixth Year of the
Reign of Our Sovereign Lord GEORGE, the Second, KING
of Great Britain &c. Annoque Domini, 1733. J. Tallcott,

"By his Honours Command
"Hez. Wyllys Seer."

124 history ot the town of ledyard.

Benadam Gallup's Military Commission Lieut.-Colonel

"Jonathan Trumbull, Esquire, Captain- General, and Com-
mander in Chief, of the State of Connecticut, in America.

"To Benadam Gallop Esq ; Greeting You being by the Gen-
eral Assembly of this State appointed to be Lieutenant-Colonel
of a Regiment now ordered to be raised in this Colony, and to
join the Continental Army, reposing especial Trust and Confi-
dence in your Fidelity, Courage, and good Conduct, I do, by
Virtue of the Laws of this State, We thereuntO' enabling, ap-
point and impower you. the said Benadam Gallop, to be Lieut
Colonel you are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the
duty of a Lieut Colonel in leading, ordering and exercising
said Regiment in Armis, both inferior Officers and Soldiers, in
the Service aforesaid, and to keep them in good Order and
Discipline, hereby commanding them to obey you as their Lieitt
Colonel, and yourself to observe and follow such Orders and
Instructions, as you shall from Time to Time receive from me,
or the Commander in Chief of said State, for the Time being,
or other your superior Officer, according to the Rules and Dis-
cipline of War, ordained and established by the Continental
congress, pursuant to the Trust hereby reposed in you.

"Given under my Hand, and the public Seal of said State, at
Hartford the 2nd Day of December Anno- Domini 1776.

"Jonth Trumbull.

"By His Honor's Command
"George Wyllys Sect."

Isaac Gallup's Military Commission Lieutenant.
IN CONGRESS

"The Delegates of the United Colonies of New-Hampshire,
Massachusetts-Bay, Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York,
New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, the Counties of Newcastle, Kent, and
Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina, and
South Carolina, to Isaac Gallop, Gentleman,

"We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriot-
ism, valour, conduct and fidelity, DO by these presents con-

. FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 125

stitute and appoint yO'U to be Lieutenant in Capt. Spicers Com-
pany in tlie 13th Regiment, commanded by Colo. Parsons, in the
army of the United Colonies, raised for the defence of American
Liberty, and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof.

"You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the
duty of Lieutenant by doing and performing all manner of things
thereunto belonging. And we do' strictly charge and require all
ofScers and soldiers under your command, tO' be obedient to your
orders, as Lieutenant. And you are to observe and follow such
orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from
this or a future Congress of the United Colonies, or Committee
of Congress, for that purpose appointed, or Commander in Chief
for the time being oi the army of the United Colonies, or any
other your superior officer according tO' the rules and discipline
of war, in pursuance of the trust reposed in you. This commis-
sion to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Con-
gress.

"By Order of the Congress.

"July ist 1776 "John Hancock President.

"Attest

"Chas. Thomson Sect."

[J. A. G.]

THE GEER FAMILY.

One of the earliest settlers in North Groton, or Ledyard, was
Georgie Geer. He was born in England about 1621, and his
brother Thomas in 1623. Tradition says they were the sons of
Jonathan Geer, of Hevitree, County of Devon. The original
drafts of the Visitation of Devon, in 1620, given in the Harleian
MSS., at the British Museum, gives something of John Geer, a
relative of Jonathan, to whom the family coat of arms pertains.
Mention is also made of the family of John Geer, of Hevitree,
in "The Worthies of Devon," by Prince, in 1701, and in "Devon-
shire," by Thomas Westcote. They came toi this country, land-
ing in Boiston in 1635. Thomas settled in Enfield, Conn., in
1682, and George came to New London about 1651, probably
with Robert Allyn and others. Feb. 17, 1658, he married Sarah,

126 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

eldest daughter of Rofcert AUyn, and settled on a tract of land
adjoining or near the said Allyn's land on the grant of fifty acres
made to him by the town of New London. About twelve years
later he purchased of Eleazer Isbell 150 acres of land which the
town of New London had given to Isbell's father Robert Isbell,
and was known as one of the "Poiquetarmock grants." July
24, 1665, the town of New London also- granted George Geer
100 acres more of upland.

The survey was May 6, 1698, but evidently covered the grants
made in 1653. It is difficult now to designate the precise bound-
aries of this original farm, but most of it has been occupied by
his descendants to the present time. The northern boundary
was the dividing line between the towns of Norwich and New
London, now known as the Rose Hill road, and included most
of the farm now occupied by Isaac W. Geer, and the next farm
of the late James Geer, also the adjoining farm south known as
the Oapt. Nathaniel B. Geer farm, now owned by Alfred Clark,
and the intervening land south to a short distance beyond the
mill.

He also purchased tracts of land, near Preston City, and in
what is now Griswold, of Owaneco, son of Uncas, which have
been occupied by his descendants.

George Geer had eleven children, all of whom married and
had families.

Of these children, Sarah, born Feb 2^, 1659, married Na-
thaniel Park, and lived in Preston.

Jonathan Geer, b. May 26, 1662, lived in what is now Gris-
wold, on the Fred Brown farm, about ten miles north of his
father's. His father deeded this farm of 130 acres to^ him Jan.
II, 1686. Dec. 27, 1686, he with about twenty other landholders,
including the above named Nathaniel Park, petitioned the Gen-
eral Court of ITartford for a town to be set off bordering on
Norwich, New London and Stonington. Their petition was
granted and the town was called Preston.

Joseph Geer, bom Oct. 14, 1664, married Sarah Howard, and
lived in Griswold on land his father bought of Owaneco, where
David Austin Geer now lives.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I27

Hannah, born Feb. 27, 1666, married Charles WiUiams, and
hved in Preston.

Margaret Geer, born February, 1669, married Thomas Gates,
and Hved in Griswold, on the place known as the Edward Cool<
farm, near Jewett City.

Mary Geer, boim March 26, 1671, married Zachariah Mainor,
and lived near Allyn's Point, adjoining the farm of her grand-
father, Robert Allyn.

Daniel Geer, born Sept., 1673, lived in Griswold, on the
Nehemiah Prentice farm.

Robert Geer, born Jan. 2, 1675, married April 3, 1700, Martha
Tyler, daughter of Hopestill Tyler, and settled south of the
homestead on land deeded him by his father, where he built a
house and the first grist mill in this part of the country. This
was one of three places in the town where warnings were posted ;
the other places were at Capt. Morgan's and Ralph Stoddard's.
Robert Geer served as sergeant and. captain in the colonial mili-
tia. He died Nov. 20, 1742.

Anne Geer, bom Jan. 6, 1679, married Daniel Tyler, May 28,
1700, and lived near her sister Mary, wife of Zachariah Mainor.

Isaac Geer, born March 26, 168 1, lived next south of the
homestead, where Capt. Nathaniel B. Geer lived until within a
few years. The old house is still standing, and occupied by
Alfred Qark.

Jeremiah Geer, born Sept., 1683, married Esther Hilliard,
and lived with his parents on the homestead place.

Georg-e Geer's first house was built on the side hill near a
never-failing spring of water, still in use, a few rods fro-m the
present house. The second house was built by George Geer,
and occupied later by his youngest son Jeremiah, until his death
in 1 721. George Geer became blind in his old age, and spent
the last five or six years of his life with his daughter Margaret,
who married Thomas Gates and lived near Jewett City, where
he died in the latter part of the year 1726, aged 105 years. He
was buried in the old graveyard near the Welcome A. Browning
farm in Griswold.

It appears that Jeremiah failed to fulfil the contract made

128 HISTORV OF THE TOWN Of LEDYARD.

with his father, and the homestead property reverted to George
Geer, aboiut 1718, and was subsequently purchased in part by
Robert, who probably removed there from the mill property
in his later years, and who deeded the farm to his three sons,
Robert, Ebenezer and James.

Capt. Robert Geer, was one oi the foremost men of the town
and prominent in founding and supporting St. James' Episcopal
Church. He died in 1742 and was buried in the churchyard
near the Bill parsonage.

Robert Geer, Jr., bought, in 1732, land of the heirs of Jere-
miah Geer and settled where Isaac G. Geer now lives. James,
the younger brother, succeeded to the mill property and the
business of tanning which his father begun.

In 1742 Ebenezer bought out the interest of his elder brother,
Robert, in the homestead where he lived, and built the third
house.

Ebenezer was born April i, 1709, and married Jan. 2, 173S,
Prudence Wheeler, daughter of Richard and Prudence (Payson)
Wheeler. He died Aug. 28, 1763.

Of his ten children, Robert, the second son, succeeded to the
homestead.

Robert Geer was born Feb. 18, 1744. He was graduated at
Yale College in 1763. He married Lucy Fitch, daughter of John
and Alice Fitch, of Windham, Nov. 4, 1767. He served in the
Revolutionary War as corporal in Capt. Williams' Company of
detached militia, under command of Lt.-Col. Nathan Gallup,
stationed at Fort GriswoM in 1779.

He was prominent in town affairs and was senior warden of
St: James' Church many years. He died Aug. 30, 1834, at the
age of 90. He had eight children, of whom the sons, Charles
and Ebenezer, and two daughters, Prudence, who. married Amos
Bailey, and Sophia, who married Stephen Breed, who went to
Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., Penn., where they were among the
pioneers of that part of the State. The youngest son, James,
remained on the home farm.

James Geer was born Oct. 31, 1783. He married Sally Lewis,
daughter of Peleg and Abigail (Smith) Lewis, Jan. 20, 1808.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES.

129

He -was teacher of singing schools in Ledyard many years,
served as justice of the peace for a long perioid, and was senior
warden of St. James' Church more than forty years. He died
March 4, 1872. The fourth house on the homestead farm was
built by James Geer in 1848, and is now standing. After his
death, his youngest son, Capt. Nathaniel B. Geer, occupied it
until his death Aug. 18, 1898, and it is now the home of his two
eldest daughters who are of the seventh generation.

James Lewis Geer was born Nov. 8, 1808, son of James and
Sally (Lewis) Geer. His boyhooid days were spent in Ledyard.
Later he taught school in the "Lester district,'' also in Long

Society, Preston, Groton
Bank and Geddes, now
Syracuse, . N. Y., — ^seven
winters in all. Nov. 19,
1834, he married Prudence
Almira Gallup, daughter of
Isaac and Prudence (Geer)
Gallup, of Preston. She
was born in Ledyard, in
the glebe hoiuse or rectory
of St. James' Church, on
the Bill farm, March 4,
1815. She died July 17.

1847.

Mr. Geer moved tO' Nor-
wich in 1835 and lived
(with the exception of a
few years at the home-
stead) on Park Street. 'In
his early life he engaged in cabinet-making and house-painting.
In 1859 he formed a copartnership with Shubael Gallup under
the firm-name of Gallup & Geer, cooducting an auction and
commission business in Norwich for twenty years. He mar-
ried, second, Mary Ellen Geer, daughter of Elijah D. and
Dorothy Geer, of Griswold, who died June ist, 1887. Mr. Geer
was one of the original members of Trinity Episcopal Church in

James L. Geer.

130 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Norwich and a vestryman several years. He died in Norwich,
Feb. 9, 1899, at the age of ninety years.

Robert Geer, son of James Lewis and Prudence Almira
(Gallup) Geer, was born at the Geer homestead March 23, 1837,
and attended school in the Geer school-house and Poquetanuck
Academy. The rest of his early life was spent in Norwich. He
learned the drug business in the stores of Wm. P. Eaton, and
John L. Devotion, and later .conducted the drug business for
himself on Main Street, Norwich, and in Syracuse, N. Y. In
1864 he went to Albany, N. Y., where he has been engaged in
the wtiolesale salt business since that date. He has held various
positions of trust in that city. [E. G.]

THE GRAY FAMILY.

Tradition afifirms that two Scotch boys, by the name of Philip
and Benjamin Gray, taken on board a vessel off the coast of Great
Britain, were landed in Boston, aiid that Philip is the ancestor
of the Grays in this part of the country. He came from Eastern
Massachusetts to New London, later to North Groton. About
1710 he mairried Mrs. Mary (Stoddard) Button. Their children
were Philip, Benjamin, Ezekiel, Elijah. Philip Gray was by
occupation a knitter. He died 1780, aged 90 years.

His son, Philip, married Hannah Latham. They had six
children — Jonas, Latham, Ezekiel, Stephen, Lydia and Mary.
After the death of Mrs. Gray, Mr. Gray married for a second
wife, Mercy Chapman. They had one child, Asa Gray.

Philip Gray, 2nd, died in 1802, aged 63 years.. Mrs. Mercy
Gray died in 1816.

Benjamin Gray, second son of Philip, ist, and Mary Stoddard,
was born in 1740. He married Temperance Baxter. They had
two sons — Thomas Baxter and Philip Gray, 3rd. • Benjamin died
in 1813. Ezekiel Gray, sdn oi Philip, ist, and Mary, died at
sea, aged 18 years.

Elijah Gray, son of Philip, ist, and Mary, born 1743, married
Candice Perkins. They had four children — Elijah, Prudence,
Hannah and Eunice. Elijah lived in the time of the Revolution,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I3I

was wounded, taken prisoner and died on board Jersey prison-
ship near New York.

Jonas, son of Philip, 2nd, and Hannah, was born 1770. He
married Lucy Spicer. Their children were Philip, Winthrop,
Oliver, Abi'sha, Hannah, Mary and Althea. Jonas followed the
West India trade. Lucy, his wife, died in 181 3. Jonas married
May Gardiner as his second wife, then moved to Pennsylvania.

Latham Gray, son of Philip, 2nd, and Hannah, born 1772,
married Amy B.rown. Their children were Henry, Latham,
Mercy, Esther, Annah, Betsey, Amy and Filena. Latham, ist,
died 1821 ; Amy died 1822.

Stephen, son of Philip, 2nd, and Hannah, born 1775, married
Lydia Stedman. Tlieir children were Stephen, 2nd, Austin,
Norman, Lydia and Ardelia. Stephen, ist, died 1840.

Asa Gray, son of Philip, 2nd, and Mercy Chapman, born in
1786, married Susannah Wilcox. They had one son, Asa Gray,
2nd, who lived in the eastern part of the town of Ledyard. He
was a store-keeper, mechanic and farmer. He printed a little
history himself in 185 1.

Thomas B. Gray, son of Benjamin, 2nd, and Temperance
Baxter, born 1769, married Suweah Stanton. She soon died.
He then married Katurah Stanton. They had five children —
Benjamin, 3rd, John, Thombas, Suweah and Temperance. This
family lived on the place now owned by John Yeoimans. The
father and children moved into the State of New York, and their
descendants are still living there. Thomas B. died in 1830,
Though we know but little of the family we presume that the
name of the post-office. Gray, in Herkimer County, was sug- .
gested by the fact that so many Grays are living in the region.

The three heads of Gray families living in the town of Led-
yard in 1836 were as follows :

Philip Gray, 3rd, known as Esquire Gray, a carpenter and
builder. Pie lived in the house now occupied by William H.
Spicer.

Asa Gray, 2nd, a mechanic and farmer.

Stephen Gray, 2nd, a mechanic.

Philip Gray, 3rd, son of Benjamin and Temperance Baxter,

132

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

born in 1775, married Sabrina Stanton. She soon died. He
then married Sarah Morgan. Their eight children were Thomas
Baxter, Benjamin Shapley, WiUiam Morgan, Sabrina, Mary,
Sally, Julia, Betsey. Philip Gray, 3rd, died 1838. Sarah
Morgan, his wife, died 1854.

Thomas Baxter, born 1802, married Amanda Williams.
They had eight children—Philip B., Thomas B., James B.,
William Shapley, Daniel M., Amandar W., Prudence M. and
Lucy A. His wife, Amanda Williams, died 1849. He then mar-
ried Martha B. York. They had one son, Eneas M. Gray,
born 1 85 1.

Philip B.,born 1825, married Mary Myers. Their children were
Henry B., Amos M., Daniel E., Hadley G. and Philip B., 5th.
Henry B. married Mary Bryan,.

Daniel E. married Martha A. Gray. Their children were
Elsworth Cutler, Philip Enos, Hadley P. and AUyn D.

Hadley G. married Mary Capwell. They had one child,
Nettie May.

Philip B., 5th, married Charlotte Weathered.
Thomas B. Gray, 3rd, married Esther Gates. Their children
were Charles H., bom 1853; Luther C, born 1857; Frank, bom
1861, died 1886; Edwin.

Charles H. married Phebe Babcock. Their children were
Minnie, Arthur and Frank.

Luther C. Gray, bom 1857, married Mary E. Beckwith.
Their children were May Belle Gray and Edna Gray.

Edwin Gray married Edith Thornton. Their children were
Ruth, Herbert, Thomas B., 4th, Lewis H. (Earl M. and Esther
M., twirts), Helen G. and Walter.

James B. Gray, lost at sea ; unmarried.

William Shapley Gray, settled in Iowa; married. Their
children were John, William.

Daniel M. Gray settled in Iowa; married Samantha Wheeler.
Their children were James, Samantha, Lucy and Thomas.

Amandar W. Gray, the well-known horticulturist and fruit
grower and dealer, married Francina Peckham, daughter of Rev.
Stephen Peckham. They had eight children, viz. : —

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 1 33

Charles A. Gray, born 1858, married Elizabeth Peckham.

James B. Gray, born i860, married Helen Littlefield. Their
children were Betsey L., Bertha F., Alba A., Julia, Charles A.,
Frederic and Helen M.

Hattie Gray, born 1861, married Ralph W. Gallup.

George Gray, born 1863, married Miss Snyder.

Edwin Gray, born 1865, married Lena A. Turner.

William Gray, born 1873.

Frank Gray, bo'm 1875.

Jennie B. Gray, born 1876, married Frank E. King.

Francina P. Gray, wife of Amandar W., died 1897.

Amandar W. Gray married, for his second wife, Mrs. May
Staubly, who was Miss May Sawyer.

Prudence M. died at the age of 18 years.

Lucy A. Gray married Henry M. Durfey. Their children
were Harry and Lucy.

Eneas M. Gray, born 1851, married Sara!h J. Harvey. Their
children were Martha A., Mason T., Benjamin U., Nathan G. and
Mary E.

Eneas M. Gray married, for his second wife, Millie McKenzie.
They had one child, Eneas M. Gray, Jr.

William Morgan Gray, son of Philip, 3rd, born 1814, married
Sarah Gallup. Tliey had five children — Ellen, Edwin, Emily M.,
William M. and Mary.

Emily M. married Semore Church. They had one child.
Emily.

William M. married Nellie Pettigrew. They had one child,
Sarah.

William married second wife. Four children.

Benjamin Shapley Gray, son of Philip, 3rd, born 1812, mar-
ried Sarah J. Lewis. They had three children — John S., Eunice
and William W.

John S. married Delia Baldwin. They had -three sons —
George, Benjamin and Harry.

Eunice Gray married Amos Cutler.

William W. married Anna Wing. They had one daughter,
Hattie J. She married Rev. Joseph Carey, 1899.

134 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Sabrina Gray, daughter of Philip, 3rd, married James Will-
iams. Their children were John S. Jackson, James, Sarah, Julia
A., Mary Nelson, Charles and Edwin.

Mary Gray, daughter of Philip, 3rd, born 1806, married
Charles S. Hewitt.

Sarah M., born 1808, died 1821.

Julia A. Gray, daughter of Philip, 3rd, married Amos M.
Allyn. Their children were John and Charles B. AUyn.

Betsey Gray, daughter of Philip, 3rd, born 1821, married
Rufus M. Gallup. Their children were Erastus, bom 1845, 3-nd
Russell Gallup, born 1851.

Asa Gray, 2nd, son of Asa and Susannah Gray, born 1802,
married Lusanna Prosser. Their children were Asa F., Denman,
George, Montgomery, Mercy, Susan and Sarah.

Asa F., born 1823, died 1846.

Denman, born 1830, died 1831.

George, born 1835.

Montgomery, born 1837, died in the War of the Rebellion.

Mercy, boirn 1822, died 1838.

Susan, born 1825, married Stanton Main. They had two
sons — Wilmot and Stanton Main.

Sarah, born 1833, died 1839.

The members of this family living in 1901 :

George Gray living now in Ledyard, a printer bv trade, and
Susan (Mrs, Main), residing in Rhode Island.

Stephen Gray, 2nd, a mechanic, born 1775, died 1841, married
Lydia Stedman. They had five children— Stephen, 3rd, Austin,
Norman, Lydia and Ardelia.

Stephen Gray, 3rd, son of Stephen, 2nd, a wagon-maker, born
1800, married Caroline Babcock, They had one son, Stephen,
4th ; he lived at Gale's Ferrv.

Austin L., son of Stephen, 2nd, born 1807, a well-known me-
chanic and «'agon-maker, married Betsey F. Smith, They had
five children— L.vdia E., Julia F., Sarah J., Austin L., Tr and
John M.

Lydia E. married Austin Benham. Tliey had two sons-
John and George,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I35

Julia F. married Daniel Strong. They had one son,
Daniel W.

Sarah J. married Erastus Gilbert.

John M. Gray married Plora I. Peckham. Their children
were Marion I., John R. and Leslie P. Gray.

Austin L. Gray, 2nd, and John M. Gray, reside in Ledyard.

John M. is the well-known groceryman and general store-
keeper and post-master.

Tliere now reside in Ledyard fifteen voters by the name of
Gray, all of them descendants of the three heads of families who
were living here when the town was set off fro^m Groton in 1836.
The name outnumbers every other on the registry list. This
brief history is for nearly two hundred years, from the first land-
ing in this country, to the present time.

The Grays are widely scattered over this country.

"Where are they — the companions of our games.

With whom in youth we gamboled on the sod.
The gray-haired fathers and the gentle dames,

Whose hospitable thresholds once we trod!
The beauteous forms that taught our hearts to love,

And woke our hopes and fears with magic spell
The cheerful friends with whom we wont to rove,

Who twines around the hearts we loved sO' well."

[R. G.]

THE HURLBUT FAMILY.

Thomas Hurlbut, the first of the name in this region, came
to Saybrook in 1635. Stephen Hurlbut, descendant of Thomas,
in the third generation, settled in New London soon after 1690.
John Hurlbut, son of Stephen, married Mary Stoddard, and
settled on the farm now owned by Henry Hurlbut. He died
May 5, 1761, and she May 22, 1790. Their son, John Hurlbut,
Jr., married Abigail, daughter of Dea. John Avery, of Preston.
They resided for several years in the north-east part of Groton ;
but in the spring of 1778 moved to Wyoming, Pa., where they
spent the remainder of their days. He was three times a mem-

136 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

ber from Westmoreland, Pa., to the General Assembly of Con-
necticut. They had eight children. He died March 10, 1782, aged
52 ; and she March 29, 1805, aged 70. — See biographical sketch.

Rufus Hurlbut, fourth child of John and Mary (Stoddard)
H., married Hannah, daughter of Peter and Anna Lester. They
lived a few rods north of where the Gale's Ferry Church now
stands. Mr. Hurlbut was killed in Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781,
when the oldest of their nine children was only fourteen years
of age.

Hannah, fifth child of John and Mary S. Hurlbut, married
James Stoddard Dec. 4, 1761. They Hved near Poquetanuck
Cove.

Ralph Hurlbut, sixth child of John and Mary S. Hurlbut,
died near Lake Champlain, during the French and Indian War.
He was never married.

Lydia was the seventh child of John and ;\Iar\' S. H.

Rispa, their eighth child, was married to Amos Oiampan Feb.
26, 1786. They lived at Gale's Ferry, near the old wharf.

Freelove, their ninth child, became the wife of Dea. Shapley
Morgan, of North Groton.

Freelove Hurlbut, first child of Rufus and Hannah, died
April 19, 1767, aged two years.

Ralph, their second child, and oldest son, was born May 19,
1767, and died May 8, 1850. — See biographical sketch.

Rufus Hurlbut, Jr., (1769-1850), third child of Rufus and
Hannah, in early life moved to Western New York. After
spending three years there, where the city of Rochester now
stands, he returned and spent the remainder of his life in Groton.
He was married Sept. 29, 1803, to Mary Stuart, of Kent, Conn.

Amos Huributt (1770-1832), fourth child of Rufus and Han-
nah, had two wives; the first, Sally Starr (1773-1804), of Groton;
the second, Betsey Starr (1768-1805). To the first wife he was
married Jan. 4, 1796; to the second Sept. 27, 1804. He had four
children — i. Sophia (oldest), was born Nov. 10, 1796. Tn the
winter of 1797 he moved with his family from Groton to Venice,
N. Y., driving an ox-team and sled, crossing the Thames, the
Connecticut and the Hudson rivers on the ice.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I37

Asaph Hurlbut (1772-1810), fifth child of Ruftis and Hannah,
lived in Groton and Salem, Co'nn. He had two wives. The
first was Hannah Woodbridge, of Groton, who died at Salem,
February 27, 1809. They had four children — Hannah
(1802- 1 829), Asaph (1804-1858), Anna (i 805-1861), Ralph
(1807-1886). His second wife was Hannah Stoddard (1773-1823),
of Groton, to whom he was married June 11, 1809. By her he
had two children — Tabitha (1810-1853), and Mary (1811-1893).

Hannah (1774-1839), sixth child of Rufus and Hannah, was
married March 21, 1793, to Joshua Allen, son of the first Thomas
Allen, of Allyn's Point. About 1822 they moved to^ Homer,
now Cortland, N. Y. They had eight children — Hannah

(1796 ■), Eunice (1798-1850), Joshua (1800 ), Rufus

(1803 ), Anna (1804 ), Isaac (1807 ), Mary (1810 ),

Tliomas (1812 ).

Peter Lester. Hurlbut (1776- 1837), seventh child of Rufus
and Hannah, was married Feb. 3, .1822, to Fanny Bill (1792-1866),
daughter of Benjamin and Amy Bill, of Groton. They located
on the farm, first owned by James Smith (1674- 1756), then by
his son, then by his grandson, who sold it to Peter Lester Hurlbut
about 1822. It is now (1900) owned by Amos Hurlbut, the fifth
in the direct line of descent from the above-named James Smith.
Peter Lester and Fanny (Bill) Hurlbut had four children — Sarah
B. (1823- 1 859), John (1826- 1 894), AmO'S (1828 ), Peter Lester

(1838-1853).

Lucy (1778-1837), eighth child of Rufus and Hannah, was
never married.

Anna (1780-1804), ninth child of Rufus and Hannah, was
married in 1801 to Stodd'ard Niles, of Groton. They moved to
Genoa, N. Y. They had a son, Ralph, boim in Groton in 1802,
and a daughter, Anna, born in Genoa.

Asaph Hurlbut (1804-1858), second child of Asaph and
Hannah (Woodbridge) Hurlbut, was married November 7, 1830,
to Bridget N. Stoddard (1807-1890). They resided on a farm
near Gale's Ferry. After the death of Mr. Hurlbut, Mrs. Hurl-
but sold the farm and bought a place in Groton, where she spent
the remainder of her life. They had five children — Hannah J.

138 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

(1834-1860), Henry J. (1836-1838), Ralph A. (1839-1862), Will-
iam H. S. (1843-1860), Mary Etta (1853-1864).

Anna Hurlbut, third child of Asaph and Hannah, was boirn
in S'alem, Conn., in 1805, and died in Ledyard, in 1861.

Ralph Hurlbut (1807-1886), was the fourth child of Asaph
and Hannah. His father died before he was four years old, and
he went to live with his uncle and guardian. Rev. Ralph Hurlbut.
He inherited the old homestead, where his great-grandfather,
John, his grandfather, Rufus, and his uncle, Ralph, in succes-
sion, resided. Here he spent his whole life, with the exception
of the early years of his childhood and a single year (1864) in
Genoa, N. Y. He was married Jan. 27, 1833, to> Margaret Bolles.
They had seven -children — an infant (1837-1837), Ralph W.

(1840-1863), Mary A. (1842-1859), Tabitha (1845 ), an infant

(1848-1848), George W. (1851-1891), Henry W. (1857 ).

Mrs. Margaret (Bolles) Hurlbut, born in 1813, is still (1900)
living.

Tabitha Hurlbut, fourth child of Ralph and Margaret (Bolles)
Hurlbut, was married Aug. 10, 1865, to Robert M. Bailey, of
Gale's Ferry. They moved to Belle Plain, Iowa, where they now
reside.

George W. Hurlbut, sixth child of Ralph and Margaret B.,
was married Sept. 14, 1876, to Lucy A. Perkins, of Gale's Ferry.
They had five children.

Henry W., seventh child of Ralph and Margaret B., was
married Oct. 17, 1881, to Lydia A. Perkins, of Gale's Ferry.
They had seven children.

Sarali B. Hurlbut, first child of Peter L. and Fanny B., was
married June 18, 1854, to Amos C. Stevens, of Pike, Pa. They
had one child, John Hurlbut Stevens, born at Gale's Ferry, Nov.
21, 1859, who is now living near Oamptown, Pa.

John Hurlbut (1826-1894), second child of Peter L. and
Fanny B. was married January 7, 1857, to Abby Jane Bailey

(1830 ). They resided on a part of his father's farm near

Gale's Ferry. They had three childreni — Francis Edgar, born
i860; Isaac Lester (1864-1887); Fanny B., born 1866.

Francis Edgar Hurlbut, oldest child of John and Abby Jane

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I39

B., is an engineer and electrician. He married Minnie A. Miller,
of Colchester, Conn. They have two sons.

Amois Hurlbut (1828 ), third child of Peter L. and Fanny

B., was married F^b. 8, 1858, to S. Rosella Boiles (1836 ),

daughter of Elkanah Boiles, of Jessup, Pa. They reside on the
ancestral homestead at Gale's Ferry. They have four children —
Emma R., born at Jessup, Pa., Dec. 12, i860; Annie B.. born at
Ledyard, April 16, 1863; Fanny R., born at Montrose, Pa., May
24, 1872; Ralph Amos, born at Montrose, Pa., Nov. 14, 1880.

[A. H.]

THE LAMB FAMILY.

The first ancestor in this country, of the Lamb family
of Ledyard, came from England, and settled in Haverhill,
Mass. Having lost possession of his lands in that place, through
some difficulty with the Indians, he moved to Connecticut, and
bought of Peter Crary a tract of land near the present village of
Old Mystic. At a later date he obtained possession of lands
which include the place now occupied by Deacon James C. Lamb.
This ancestor (whose name has not come down tO' us) was suc-
ceeded in the ownership of the place by his son, Isaac Lamb,
whose wife's name was Elizabeth. Daniel Lamb, son of Isaac
and Elizabeth, born 1704, was the next o^wner. He built the
house which now stands upon the place. He married Zerviah
Button. They had eight children, four sons and four daughters.
Their son, Samuel, became the next owner and occupant. He
was bom in 1748, anid died in 1834. His wife was Tabitha
Wightman. Daniel W. Lamb (1783-1859), succeeded his father,
Samuel, in the occupany of the place. He was a famous school-
teacher in his day. He taught in the Lamb district no- less than
eleven winters. He was the father of Deacon James C. Lamb,
who with his son, Daniel, now (1900) lives on the place.

Tne Lambs, through tljeir several generaitioo's, have been
decidedly religioiis people. Isaac Lamb, the first name on the
above list, was one of the first deacons of the first Baptist Church
(1705), in Groton, which was the first Baptist Church in Con-

140 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

necticut. His grandson, Samuel, was a deacon of the same
church, and Samuel's grandson, James C, is now deacon oi that
church.

The family has been very fruitful in clergymen. Two uncles
of Deacon James C. Lamb, Nehemiah and John, were Baptist
ministers. The former preached in the States of New York and
Michigan ; the latter at different places in the State of New York.

Rev. Nehemiah Lamb, above-named, had four sons who were
Baptist ministers. Rev. Roswell Lamb, a brother of Deacon
James C, preached in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Rev. J.
Curtis Lamb, of Noank, has preached in Lyme and Haddam.
Conn. ; Hays City, Kansas ; Brewster, Mass., and Wilmington,
Del.

THE LATHAM FAAHLY.

The home of the- family, whence all of the Lathams sprang,
is Derbyshire, England, and they can be traced back to the time
of the Danish conquest of England. Tlie title of Earl of Latham
is now held by one of the family there.

Susannah Winslow, the daughter of John Winslow, who came
over in the Mayflower, married a Robert Latham.

The first ferryman between New London and Groton was
Carey Latham, from whom the Lathams, of Groton and Ledyard
descended.

For an account of Carey Latham and his descendants see
Miss Caulkins' History of New London.

Among them, as connected with the early histoiry of North
Groton (now Ledyard), we note Thomas Latham, who^ was born
April 8, 1744. He married Eunice Perkins July 15, 1770. She
was the daughter of Ebenezar and Sarah Perkins and was born
Oct. 27, 1750.

Thomas Latham became a ship carpenter and built at Gale's
Ferry several vessels, including two ships, one of whic'h called
"The Phenix," was of "the burthen of 500 tons."

For services rendered to the United States Government, in
the ship-building line, during the Revolutionary War, he received
a grant of a considerable tract of land, in the western part of the

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES.

141

State of New York, but owing tO' his death away from home and
the wanton destruction of his papers and documents, his claim,
which might have been a rich legacy to his heirs, seems tO' have
been invalidated. He died at Burlington, Vt., Oct. 17, 1801.
The children of Thomas and Eunice Latham were Thomas, born
March 28, 1771 ; Eunice, bo^m Oct. 8, 1772; Sarah, born Aug. 6,
1774; Comfort, born Dec. 31, 1777; William, born April 25, 1780;
Jacofc, born Aug. 29, 1783.

Thomas was drowned at sea Jan. 7, 1796.
Eunice was married tOi Jonathan Gardner, Dec. 14, 1792, and
they moved to Pennsylvania, where they reared a numerous
family.

Sarah married Alexander Allyn, Sept. 8, 1791, and was the
mother of Captains Christopher and Latham Allyn, alsO' of Henry
Allyn, who removed to Palmyra, N. Y., and of Mrs. Sarah Brown,
who reared at Gale's Ferry a large family, including Christopher
A. and Latham A. Brown.

Comfort Latham died in Virginia, in 1802.

William married Esther,
daughter of Obadiah and
Esther (Williams) Bailey,
Sept. 9, 1807. Their chil-
dren were Emmeline, boirn
July I, 1808; Sally Maria,
born Oct. 3, 181 1 ; Thomas
Morgan, born Aug. 29,

1813-

Emmeline married Sim-
eon A. Bailey.

Sally M'syria died young.

Thomas M., the father of
the writer of this sketch,
died October 13, 1898. He
was thrice married, and 'his
surviving children at date
of writing (Oct., 1900), are
Thomas Latham, Esq. Thomas and Orrin, who' re-

142 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

side at Gale's Ferry ; Lyman A. and Mrs. Fanny Spicer, oi Led-
yard ; Ira C, of Stonington ; John N., of Groton; and Mrs. Sarah
Lamb, of Meriden. Their dates, deeds and descendants we leave
to future chroniclers.

In writing a sketch of ancestors we have an idea of the senti-
ment which caused the poet Gray to say :

"No longer seek their merits to disclose

Nor draw their frailties from their dread abode,

There they alike in trembling hope repose,
llie bosom of their Father and their God."

[T. L.]

THE LESTER FAMILY.

Genealogy of the Lesters that settled in the town of Ledyard,
New London County, Conn. :

Andrew Lester first appears at Gloucester, Mass. An early
settler from 1643. (Then called Lister). He was licensed to
keep a house of entertainment by the county court, Feb. 26,
1648-9.

The births of four children of Andrew and Barbara Lester,
are recorded at Gloucester, Mass. :

Daniel Lester, born April 15, 1642, married Hannah Fo'X,
daughter of Thomas Fox, 1669.

Andrew, Jr., born Dec. 26, 1644, married Lydia Bailey.

Mary Lester, born Dec, 1647, married Samuel Fox.

Anna Lester, born March 21, 1651, married Thos. Way.

Andrew Lester removed to Pequot (now New London,
Conn.), in 165 1. Eearly in 165 1 a new street was laid out in the
rear of the town plot in New London, for the accommodation of
"The Cape Ann Company." Tliis street was called "Cape Ann
Lane." The lots on this street were nine in number. Hugh
Caulkins had the first lot, Hug'h Roberts lot 2, Mr. Coit had lot
3, and Andrew Lester lot 4.

April, 1651, the marsh land laying along Alewive cove, was
given to a company of undertakers, viz., Mr. Denison, Hugh
Caulkins, John Elderkin and Andrew Lester, who undertook to

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I43

drain it, and were to have all the land "NoiW under water for-
ever."

Barbara, wife of Andrew Lester, died at New London Feb.
2, 1653-4, being the first death of a woman recorded in New
London.

Andrew Lester's second wife was Joanna, widow of Robert
Hempstead, and probably daughter of Isaac Willy. She died in
1659, without issue.

Andrew Lester married, for his third wife, Anna Clark.
They had three children — ^Timothy, born July 4, 1662. Joseph,
born June 15, 1664. Benjamin, born 1666, married Ann Sted-
man.

Andrew Lester was constable and collectoir of New London
in 1668, and bought land in said town, July 12, 1659. He died
in 1669. Hi's widow married Isaac Willey. She died in 1692.

Andrew Lester, Jr., removed to Groton and was constable in
1669, and is supposed to have been the first deacon of the Groton
Church, and the first Lester that settled in Groton. He settled
on land granted to his father. He married Lydia Bailey, daugh-
ter of Thomas Bailey. He died in 1708. Their children were
Andrew Lester, 3d, born abont 1675, married Lydia Stark-
weather. Jonathan Lester, born 1677, married Deborah Allyn,
Sept. 22, 1724. Samuel Lester, born 1679, married Hannah Bill.
Hannah Lester, born 1681, married Ralph Stoddard, June 3,
1723. Margaret Lester, born 1683, married Duglass.

Daniel Lester, son of Andrew and Barbara, married Hannah
Fox, daughter of Thomas Fox, of Concord, 1669. Children —
Ann, born Aug. 30, 1670. Hannah, born March 11, 1671, mar-
ried William Chapman, March 22, 1690. Elizabeth, born Feb.
25, 1672, married probably Philip Bill. Daniel, born April 5,
1676, married Mary Wells, Oct. 20, 1702. John, born Oct. 15,
1679.

Sergeant Daniel Lester, son of Andrew and Barbara, lived
upon the great neck. New London, where he died June 16, 1716.
He was brought in to town and buried under arms.

Joseph and Benjamin Lester, sons of Andrew Lester and
Ann Clark, his wife, settled on fann.s in the vicinity of the town

144 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

of New London. The descendants of the latter are quite num-
erous. By the first wife, Ann Stedman, he had nine sons, and
two daughters, and probably other children by a second wife.
Only six children are recorded to Benjamin and Ann Lester in
New Londoin.

Andrew Lester, 3d, born about 1675, married Lydia Stark-
weather. He died May 22, 1757. Their children were John
Lester, born Jan. 2, 1716. Timothy Lester, born Aug. 2, 1718.
John Lester, born July 19, 172 1. Mary Lester, born Oct. 19,
1723.

Jonathan Lester, son of Andrew, Jr., and his wife, Lydia
Bailey, daughter of Thomas Bailey, born about 1677, married
Deborah Allyn, daughter of Robert and Deborah Allyn, Sept
22, 1724. Children of Jonathan and Deborah Lester — Jonathan

born about 1725. Deborah, born , baptized Oct. 10, 1731

Thomas, born , baptized Oct. 10, 1731. Amos, born 1728

baptized Oct. 10, 1731. Wait, born , baptized Oct. 10, 1731

Peter, born , baptized Aug. 8, 1732. Simeon, born

baptized Aug. 4, 1734. David, born , baptized Nov. 7,

1736.

On July 3, 1742, a severe thunder storm occurred, in which a
son of Jonathan Lester was killed. He and his two brothers
were at work on hay at the time. The lad killed was ten years
of age.

Samuel Lester, son of Andrew Lester, Jr., and Lydia Bailey
Lester, was born about 1679. He married Hannah Bill, probably
daughter of Philip Bill, Nov. 5, 1707, and died Jan. 15, 1750.
She died Nov. 24, 1751. Their children were Samuel, Jr., born
Sept. 23, 1711. Elizabeth, born March 23, 1715. Elamuel, born
July 18, 1719. Sarah, born Jan. 30, 1722. Hannah, born Jan.
12, 1727. Margaret, born Feb. 17, 1729. Zarniah, boim Nov.

II. 1733-

Thomas Lester, probably son of Jonathan and Deborah Allyn
Lester, born about 1727. He married Mary Allyn, Feb. 28, 1754.
Their children were Thomas, Jr., born. March i, 1755. Mary,
born March 14, 1756. Wait, born Dec. 17, 1759; killed in Fort
Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781. Ebenezer, bom Aug. i, 1761. Daniel,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I45

born March 27, 1763. Jonathan, born April 9, 1765. Ebenezer,
2d, bom Dec. 2, 1766. Charles, born Nov. 14, 1768.

Peter Lester, Sr., probably son of Jonathan Lester, born
about 1705. He married Anna Street, probably daughter of
James Street, August, 1733. He died Sept. 10, 1789. She died
March 6, 1790. Their children were Peter, Jr., born April i,
1734, married Delight Karon Bailey, daughter of Jedediah
Bailey. Anna, born Dec. 17, 1736, married Amos, son of
Jonathan Lester. Hannah, born March 17, 1737, married Rufus
Hurlbutt, son of Jolin. Asa, born Dec. 13, 1738, died while
young. John, born Oct. 13, 1740, married Dorothy Morgan,
Dec. 14, 1775. He was slain in Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781.
Nathan, born July 25, 1742, married Susanna Gallup. Lucy,
born June 4, 1744, died April 18, '1814, age 70 years ; never
married. Elizabeth, born April 2, 1746, died 1749. Eunice, born
Jan. 8, 1748, married Nathan Cotida. Deborah, born March i,
1751, died while young. Sarah, bom May 8, 1753, married John
Dean, died Feb. 4, 1838; no children. Mary, born June 18,
1755, married Solomon Perkins. They had a large family.

Nathan Lester, son of Peter Lester, Sr., and Anna Street
Lester, bom July 25, 1742, married Susanna Gallup, April 24,
1798. They had one child, Hannah G. Lester, born June 8, 1798,
married Adam Larrabee.

Amos Lester, Sr., son of Jonathan Lester, married Anna
daughter of Peter Lester, Sr., and Anna Street Lester. They
had five children — Deborah, bo>m . Anna, born 1762, mar-
ried Peter Lester, 3d. Hannah, born , married Lathrop

Allyn. Lyra, bo'm , died . Amos, Jr., born March 25,

1776, married Sarah Avery, Jan. 18, 1801.

Asa Lyman Lester, son of Asa Lester and Dorothy Morgan
Lester, married Eliza Mariah Lester, daughter of Amo>s Lester,
Jr. He died Oct. 5, 1841. Their children were Sarah, bom
Sept., 1836, married Edmond Chapman. Dolly, born Aug.,
1838, married Ephraim Chapman. Hellen, born Sept., 1840, mar-
ried Russell Wells. Mary, bom May,' 1846, married Henry
Gay, Jan. 7, 1868.

Asa Lyman Lester died Oct. 5, 1841. His widow, Eliza

10

146 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Mariah Lester, married, second, Asa Allyn. Child, Henry, born
Jan. t8, 1855, married Nellie Gray.

Hannah, daughter of Peter Lester, ist, married Rufus Hurl-
butt, son of John Hurlbutt. Rufus was born 1741 ; killed in Fort
Griswold, Sept. 6. 1781. They had nine childern — Freelove,
born 1765, died April 19, 1767. Ralph, born May 19, 1767, mar-
ried Mary Jones, daughter of John and Sarah Jones. Rufus, Jr.,
born March 19, 1769, married. Amois, bom Nov. 10, 1770, mar-
ried. Settled in Cayuga County, New York. Asaph, born Sept.
10, 1772, married Hannah Woodbridge. Hannah, born Oct. 12,
1774, married Joshua Allyn. Peter L., born June 2, 1776, mar-
ried Fanny Bill. Lucy, born Dec. 14, 1778, single, died Oct. 17,
1837. Anna, born July 10, 1780, married Stoddard Niles.

Peter Lester, Jr., born April 4, 1734, son of Peter, Sr., and
Anna Street Lester, married Delight Karon Bailey, daughter of
Jedediah Bailey. She was born April 13, 1741. His second
wife was widow Bridget Bailey, who died April 13, 1822. Chil-
dren by first wife — Asa Lester, bo'm Sept. 26, 1761, married
Dorithy Morgan. Jonas Lester, born , killed at Fort Gris-
wold, Sept. 6, 1781. Peter, 3d, bo^m 1768, married Anna Lester,
daughter of Amos Lester. Child by second wife, Karon Lester.
Solomon Lester, born 1771, married Polly Forsyth. He died
Dec. 4, 1840. Their children were Prudence, born 1807, mar-
ried Ephraim Stoddard. She died July 18, 1875, ^S^ 68 years.

John, born , single. Amy, born , married Mr. Isah

Adams.

Asa Lester, son of Peter Lester, Jr., and Delight Karon
Bailey Lester, married Dorithy Morgan. He died July 2, 1839
She died March 29, 1828. Their children were John, bom Jan
I, 1786, died Aug. 6, 1814; drowned. Eliza, bo^m Oct. 25
1788, married James McCracken, a widower. Nancy, born Nov
9, 1790, married John Comstoick. Mary, born April 13, 1793
married Amos Etheredge. Sarah E., born Feb. 23, 1795
Lucindy, bom May i, 1798, single, died Dec. 12, 1870. Thomas
J., born May 4, 1801, died Jan. 20, 1828. Wiliam P., bom July

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I47

19, 1803, died Oct. 30, 1807. Asa Lyman, bom Feb. 10, 1810,
married Mariah Lester. He died Oct. 5, 1841, aged 32 years.
Susannah, born Sept 24, 1811.

Peter Lester, the 3d, son oif Peter, Jr., and Dehght Karon
Bailey Lester, married Anna, daughter of Amos Lester, Sr. He
died June 5, 1S52. She died July 4, 1852. Their children were
Avery, born 1791, single, died Nov. 21, 1873, age 82 years.
Hannah, born April 10, 1793, married Isaac Bailey, died Oct. 19,
1859, age'd 66 years. Abby W., born 1800, single, died Nov. 15,
1853, aged 53 years.

Amos Lester, Jr., son of Amos and Anna Lester, daughter
of Peter Lester, Sr., born March 25, 1776, married Sarah Avery,
daughter of James Avery, born March 3, 1781, married Jan. 18,
1800. Their children were Anna, born July 20, 1801, married
Oliver S. Tyler, Jan. 3, 1831. Lydia, born Dec. 19, 1802, mar-
ried Erastus Kimball, Dec. 30, 1821. Amos A., born' March 30,
1805. Isaac A., born March 4, 1810, married Mary Chapman,
Oct. 7, 1838. Eliza Mariah, born July 26, 1813, married Asa
Lyman Lester, Aug. 16, 1835.

Isaac Lester, son of Amos Lester, Jr., and Sarah Avery Les-
ter, boirn March 4, 1810, married Mary Chapman, daughter of
Ichobod Chapman, married Oct. 7, 1838. Their children were
Amos, 3d, born Dec. 3, 1839, married Caroline S. Spicer, May
28, 1868. 'Mary Jane, born June 6, 1841, married Courtland
Lamb, Dec. 12, i860. Nathan L., bom Jan. i, 1843, married
Sarah E. Spicer, May 24, 1871. Henry C, born Oct. 20, 1844,
died Sept. 17, 1850. Jonathan F., born June 11, 1846, mairried
Cecelia Spicer, May 28, 1873. William L, born Feb. 7, 1848,
married Sarah E. Simmons, April 16, 1885. Frank L., bom
April 23, 1850, died Nov. 17, 1876. Samuel W., born April 7,
1852, single. Walter C, bom April 15, 1854, died July 14, 1855.
Sarah E., boirn Jan. 22, 1856, died March 11, 1857.

Edward E. Lester, bom April 29, 1858, son of Isaac and
Mary Lester, married Almyra Chapman, Sept. 6, 1884. Their
children were Edna Lucy, bom May 28, 1886. Samuel L., born
April 23, 1889. Dorithy, born April 20, 1893.

148 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Edward E. Lester and his family reside on the same farm,
formerly owned by his great-grandfather, Amos Lester, Sr., and
his children are the fifth generation that have lived on this farm
in Ledyard.

Allyn Lester, of Groton, son of ■ , born April 28, 1775,

and Lydia Miner, born Feb. 25, 1782, were married April 17,
1803. Their children were Ausitin M. Lester, born Feb. 2, 1804,
married Nancy Stoddard. Emelyne Lester, born Jan. 20, 1806,
married John Short, March 23, 1828. Rebeca A. Lester, born
Nov. II, 1808, married Avery E. Bailey, March 18, 1832. Francis
A., born 1810, single.

Austin M. Lester, son of Allyn and Lydia Miner Lester, mar-
ried Nancy Stoddard, daughter of Asa Stoddard, Sept. 16, 1827.
Their children were Sally Ann, born April 22, 1829, died Sept. 6,
1849. Emelyne, born May 25, 1831, married Orlando Stoddard.
Austin A., born June 23, 1832, married Laura Marshall, March
12, 1856. Elizabeth, born Jan. 3, 1835, married Charles Davis.

Avery E. Baily and Rebeca Lester, daughter of Allyn Lester
and Lydia Miner Lester, were married March 18, 1832. They
had no children.

John Short and Emelyn Lester, daughter of Allyn and Lydia
Lester, were married March 23, 1828. 'They had one child,
Emelyne Lester Short, born May 12, 1829.

Austin A. Lester, son of Austin M. Lester and Nancy Stod^
dard Lester, married Laura Marshall, March 12, 1856.

Orlando Stoddard, son of Daniel Stoddard, married Emelyne
Lester, daughter of Austin M. Lester and Nancy Stoddard
Lester.

Elizabeth Lester, daughter of Austin M. Lester and Nancy
Stoddard Lester, married Davis. [T. B.]

THE MAIN FAMILY.

In the early part of the last century, three brothers by the
name of Main, with their families, were living in the north-east
part of the town of Groton (now Ledyard). Tlieir names were
Abel, Samuel and Thomas. They were sons of Benajah Main,
who, according to Hon. Richard A. Wheeler, in his "History of

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGlfeS. I49

Stonington," was the son of Thomas (born Feb. 13, 1730), who
was the son of Jeremiah (bom about 1778), who was the
son of Ezekiel, the first of the name who came to Ston-
ington to reside permanently. He settled in that town in 1670.
He was admitted to the First Church, Sept. 3, 1676, and he died
June 19, 1714. The name of his wife was M'ary.. Their children
were Ezekiel, married Naomi Wells, died 171 5; Mary, baptized
1677, died young; Jeremiah, married Ruth Brown, died 1727;
Thomas, baptized 1679, died young; Phdbey baptized 1681, mar-
ried Kingsbury; Hannah.

The descendants of Thomas Main, the last of the three
brothers named above, are quite numerous. Many of them have
settled not far from the places of their birth. At the present
time there are probably more persons by the name of Main living
in Ledyard than there are of any other name.

THE MORGAN FAMILY.*

The first ancestor of the Ledyard Morgans, resident in this
countr}', was James Morgan, who was born in Wales in 1607.
With two younger brothers, John and Miles, he sailed from
Bristol, England, in March, 1636, and arrived at Boston, the
following April. John journeyed southward and settled in Vir-
ginia. Miles joined a company of emigrants, mostly from Ro-x-
bury, Mass., and became one of the founders of Springfield,
Mass.

James, the elder brother, may have sp^nt a few years in
Plymouth, Mass. He is found, however, in Roxbury, before
1640. Here, on August 6, 1640, he was married to Margery Hill,
and here most of his children were born. In 1650 he moved to
Pequot (New London), where lands were granted him on what
is now one of the western suburbs of the city. Here was his
home for half-a-dozen years. "On the 25th day of Dec, 1656,
he sold his homestead and removed soon after, with several
others, across the river, upon large tracts of land previously

*Most of the facts contained In this sketch are found in "The
Morgan Genealogy," by N. H. Morgan, Hartford, 1869.

150 HI9TORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

granted them by the town, upon the east side of the Thames
river, now the south part of Groton. James Avery, William
Meades and Nehemiah and John Smith, who also had grants of
land adjoining him, were among the first settlers, and the earliest
resident farmers in that region."

"James Morgan was a large proprietor and dealer in lands;
distinguished in public enterprise; often employed by the public
in land surveys, establishing highways, determining boundaries,
adjusting civil difficulties as a magistrate and ecclesiastical diffi-
culties as a good neighbor and a Christian man, in whom all seem
to have reposed a marked degree of confidence and trust."

"He was one of the 'townsmen' or selectmen of New London
for several years, and was one of the first 'Deputies' sent from
New London plantations to the General Court at Hartford, May
Session, 1657; and nine times afterwards was chosen to fill the
same important position, the last time in 1670." He was an
active member of the First Church in New London.

In respect to property he ranked high among his fellow
townsmen. In 1662, his list, on the town assessment, stood the
third highest in amount, being £250. Only geven, out of about
one hundred taxpayers, had lists amounting respectively to more
than £200.

"The spot where he first built his house, in 1657, and where
he ever afterward resided, and where he died, is about three
miles from Groton Ferry, on the road to Poquonoc Bridge.
This patriarchal homestead has bad an unbroken succession of
Morgan occupants from the days of James Morgan, first, down to
the present time."

He died in 1685, aged 78.

Children of James and Margery (Hill) Morgan: —

Hannah, born i8th May, 1642, married Nehemiah Royce,
20th Nov., 1660.

James, born 3rd March, 1644, married Mary Vine, Nov., 1666.

John, born 30th March, 1645, married Rachel Dymond; 2d,
widow EHzabeth Williams.

Joseph, born 29th Nov., 1646, married Dorothy Park, April,
1670,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. I51

Abraham, bom 3rd Sept., 1648, died Aug., 1649.

A daughter, bom 17th Nov., 1650, died the week after.

The descendants of James and Doirothy (Hill) Morgan have
been very numerous. There is liardly a state or territory in the
Union which has not had at some time members of the family
residing in it.

In regard to the general characteristios of the family its his-
torian, Hon. N. H. Morgan, remarks : "The family, as a whole,
is an honorable one, ranking quite above the average in moral
and social position. Standing as I have been, for several years,
at the focal point of a widely extended family correspondence,
gathering in the rays which have come to me from every State
and territory of the Union, I have been highly gratified with the
abundant evidence of general intelligence, moral worth, and social
standing, which has greeted me from every branch of the sept
or clan. Although among us 'one star differeth from another
star in glory' the constellation is an effulgent one."

All this may be said of the family as a whole.

Then there have been a good many individuals in it who have
held important official positions, and filled them often with such
ability as to achieve high commendation. The family has had a
fair number of representatives in each of the learned professions,
and some of them have risen to eminence in their callings. Quite
a number, outside of the professions, have developed marked
ability in highly useful pursuits, and attained to eminent success.
Some have been remarkably successful in business, and have
acquired princely fortunes.- This is especially true of Charles
Morgan, son of Col. George, born at Killingwort;h, Conn., in the
year 1795 ; moved to New York, and became an extensive ship-
ping merchant and founder of the famous Morgan Iron Works ; .
also of Gov. Edwin D. Morgan, son of Col. Jasper, bora in Wash-
ington, Mass., in 181 1, lived afterwards in Hartford and later in
New York City, and there engaged in commercial pursuits which
were remarkably successful.

Some members of the family have obtained high rank as mili-
tary officers, in the several wars, in which the country has been
engaged, and been specially honored for their courageous and

152 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LED YARD.

efficient services. Quite a number as civilians have been placed
in high and honorable positions, and proved themselves every
way worthy of the trusts coimmitted to their hands. One, Edwin
D. Morgan, for two successive terms, served as Giovemor of the
great State of New York. Three at least have been members
of Congress, and done much to shape the counsels of the nation,
and guide it in the ways of righteousness. They are Edwin B.,
of Aurora, N. Y., son of Christopher, born 1806; in Congress for
four termis in succession — 1850-1858; Christopher, of Auburn,
N. Y., son of Christopher, born 1808, in Congress twoi succes-
sive terms — 1839-1843; and Edwin D., of New York City, son
of Jasper, born 181 1, meimber of the United States Senate from
1863 to 1869.

THE ROACH FAMILY.

The farm now occupied by Calvin Roach, in Ledyard, was
bought from Dea. Peter Avery, by Thomas Roach, Sen., grand-
father of the present occupant, about 1816.

Thomas Roach, Sen., was the son of Joihn Roach, who en-
listed in January, 1777, and joined the Georgia Battalion, April
II, 1777.

Thomas Roach, Sen., enlisted in the Revolutionary Army
July 15, 1780, and received a pension for his services in 1839.
He was probably born in New London. When a boy he lived in
the family of Mr. Vine Stoddard in North Groton. He married
Thankful Williams.

Thomas Roach, Jr., married in 1817, Lydia Avery. Their
children were Sidney A., m. Isabel Settle. Delia A. Lucy A.,
m. Simeon Stoddard. Albert B. Erastus N., m. Mrs. Emma
Phillips. Frank V. R., m. Mary Burrows. Calvin H., m. Maria
Lamb.

Thomas Roiach, Jr., served in the War of 1812-15, under Capt.
Stephen Billings.

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 1 53

THE SMITH FAMILY.

Lieut. Nehemiah Smith's house stoiod on a lot east of the
Bill parsonage, only the cellar nowi remains to locate the place.
He was son of John and Temperance (Holmes) Smith, of Groton,
and was born Oct. 30, 1733. He mai^ried May 3, 1758, Abigail
Avery, daug'hter of Benjamin and Thankful Avery and died May
4, 1810. He served in the Revolutionairy War as first lieutenant
in Capt. William Whitney's Company in Col. Samuel Mc-
Clellan's regiment, which was raised for one year's service from
March, 1778. They served in Tyler's brigade under Sullivan in
Rhode Island, August and September, 1778. He had eight chil-
dren of whom one died young.

Abigail, born Aug. 10, 1759, married first, Peleg Lewis, Jan.
27, 1782, and lived in Groton. He died Dec. 25, 1792.

She married, second, Noah Bailey and lived "on Meeting-
hottse Hill, Ledyard. Noah Bailey died Dec. 26, 1819. His wife
died Sept. 16, 1842. They are buried in the Starr cemetery,
Groton.

Sarah Smith, born Aug. 10, 1761, married Nathaniel Bellows,
and Uved on the neighboring farm now owned by Samuel Cas-
well and buried there.

Anna Smith, born Dec. 8, 1765, married Oct. 5, 1786, Capt.
Isaac Gallup, who died Aug. 3, 1814. She miarried, second,
Jan. 30, 1825, Seth Williams, who died May 21, 1843. She died
Dec. 21, 1848. They were buried in Ledyard.

Nehemiah Smith, bom April 21, 1767, married 1792, Abigail,
daughter of Amos and Mary (Wight) Geer, and lived in Pres-
ton. He died Aug. 13, 1803. His wife died Dec. 2, 1856, in
No^nvalk, Ohio, and was buried tliere.

Temperance Smith, born Jan. i, 1769, married, first. Park

Allyn; second, Packer; lived in Ledyard. She died Feb.

6, 1859.

John Smith, born April 9, 1771, married June 13, 1792,
Martha Brown, of Stonington, He married, second, March 27,

154 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1839, Abigail, daughter of Reuben Palmer, of Colchester. He
died April 3, 1856, and was buried in SaJem.

Thankful Smith, born Jan. 21, 1775, married Ezra Geer, son
of Isaac and Mary (Leeds) Geer, and lived in Ledyard, north of
her parents. She died July i, 1864. Her husband died June 13,
1855 They are buried in the Poquetanuck cemetery.
» Lieut. Nehemiah Smith was fifth in line of descent from Rev.
Nehemiah Smith, who was born in England, about 1605. He
emigrated to America and was admitted freeman at Plymouth,
Mass., March 6, 1637-8. He married Anna Bourne, of Marsh-
field, Jan 21, 1640, sister of Martha Bourne, who married John
Bradford, son of Gov. William Bradford.

Rev. Nehemiah Smith lived in Stratford, New Haven, New
London, Groton, and came to Norwich as one of the original
proprietors of the town who purchased the land from-Uncas in
June, 1659.

His son, Nehemiah Smith, born in New Haven, 1646, came
to Groton with his parents about 1656. He married Oct. 24,
1669, Lydia Winchester, daughter of Alexander Winchester, of
Roxbury, Mass. He served in the Colonial militia and held
various offices in the town as justice of the peace, representa-
tive to the General Assembly fro-m New London, 1705, and
Groton, 1707, and town clerk of Groton, 1707 to 1718. He
married, second, Mrs. Elizabeth Haynes, Sept. 7, 1724, and
died Aug. 8, 1727. They are buried in Smith Lake cemetery,
Groton.

His son, Nehemiali, third, born Nov. 14, 1673, married April
22, 1696, Dorothy Wheeler, daughter of Isaac and Martha (Park)
Wheeler. He died Nov. 21, 1724, and his wife died May 25,
1736.

His son, Capt. John Smith, born June 14, 1704, married May
10, 1727, Temperance Holmes, daughter of Joshua and Fear
(Sturges) Holmes. They lived in Groton and later in Colchester.
He was buried in Poquonoc. His widow married, second, James
Treadway, of Colchester. [E. G.]

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 1 55

THE STANTON FAMILY.

The first ancestor of the Ledyard Stantons, resident in this
country, was Thomas Stanton, who bore a very prominent pari
among the early settlers. He embarked at London, England,
Jan. 2,1635, in the merchantman "Bonaventura." He went to
Virginia; but evidently did not stay there very long, for in the
next year, 1636, he appears on record in Boston, serving as a
magistrate. The next we know of him is in connection with the
Pequot War. In this war he came near losing his life in the
battle of Fairfield Swamp. Soon after this he returned tO' Bos-
ton; but how long he remained there we are not infoirmed.
Some time about 1637-8, he was married to Ann Lord, daughter
of Dr. Thomas and Dorothy Lord, of Hartford; and from this
time on for quite a number of years his home was in Hartford,
though he seems to have been called away fro^m there quite
frequently on official business, particularly as an Indian interpre-
ter. He probably went to Pequot (New London) in 1651 and in
1658, to his permanent home in Stonington, where he had al-
ready established a trading post on the Poquetuck river, upon
a 300 acre tract of land, granted to him as early as 1652. A
descendant of Mr. Stanton, Rev. William A. Stanton, D. D., com-
piler of the "Stanton Genealogy," truly says of him : "Mr. Stan-
ton's prominence, in the affairs of colonial Connecticut, can be
best estimated by the poissibility of so much aboiut him being
secured from contemporaneous histoiry after a lapse of two- and a
half centuries. As interpreter for Connecticut and for Gov.
Winthrop, as interpreter-general of the New England Colonies,
as co'unty commissioner and judge for twelve consecutive years,
as a member of the Connecticut General Assembly for seven
years, as Indian commissioner for many years, as a successful,
all aro'Und man of affairs, as a worthy husband, father, citizen
and Christian, the descendants of Thotoias Stanton have every
reason to be proud of their emigrant ancestor."

Miss Caulkins, in her "History of New London," speaks of
him, as an interpreter, in these words : "Never, perhaps, did the
acquisition of a barbarous language give a man such immediate

156 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LED YARD.

wide-Spread and lasting importance. Froon the year 1636, when
he was Wintbrop's interpreter with the Nahantic sachem, to 1670,
when Uncas visited him with a train of warriors and captains, to
get him to Write his will, his name is connected with almost every
Indian transaction on record." And it is an interesting fact that
all of his sons seem to have inherited their father's ability to
speak the Indian dialects, and were in much demand as inter-
preters.

Children of Thomas and Ann (Lord) Stanton :
Thomas, born 1638, married Sarah Denison, died April 11,
1718.

John, born 1641, married 1664, Hannah Thompson, died Oct.

3. 1713- '

Mary, born 1643, married Samuel Rogers, Nov. 17, 1662.

Hannah, born 1644, married Nov. 20, 1662, Nehemiah Palmer.

Joseph, born 1646, married June 19, 1673, Hannah Mead;
married Aug. 23, 1677, Hannah Lord; married two more wives,
the fourth probably being a Miss Prentice. He died 1714.

Daniel, born 1648, married and died in Barbadoes; he died
before 1688, and left one son, Richard.

Dorothy, bom 1651, married Rev. James Noyes, Sept. 11,
1674. died Jan. 19, 1742.

Robert, born 1653, married Joanna Gardiner, Nov. 12, 1677,
died Oct. .25, 1724.

Sarah, born 1655, married ist, Thomas Prentice; 2nd, Will-,
iam Denison; died 1713.

Samuel, bom 1657, married Borodell Denison, June 16, 1680,
died not before 1698.

All of these ten children lived to have children of their own.

The descendants of Thomas and Ann (Lord) Stanton haye
been very numerous, and have been very widely scattered. Dur-
ing the early generations many of them resided in Stonington.
Hence we find on the records of the First Church, founded in
1674, of which Mr. Stanton was one of the first members, and his
son-in-law. Rev. James Noyes, the first pastor, that between the
years 1674 and 1842 no less than 156 persons by the name of
Stanton were baptized; between the years 1674 and 1856, 61

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 1 57

persons received into full communion; and between 171 5 and
1 87 1, 83 couples, in which one of the parties was a Stanton, were
united in marriage.

Thomas Stanton is the first name on the roll of members,
and Thomas Stanton, Jr., is the sixth. ■ Ann, wife of Thomais
Stanton, Sen., became a member in 1675. Some pastors failed to
leave on record their baptisms, etc. This fact accounts for
periods during which the family is apparently not represented in
the church. At the same time it is a well-established claim that
at no period during the entire history of the church has it been
without descendants of Thomas Stanton among its members.

In each of the wars in which the country has been engaged,
the Stantons have botne a prominent part. "It is worthy of
note," says the genealogist of the family, "that from the Pequot
War in 1636 to the Civil War in 1861-5, there was nO' colonial
or national war in which our family was not .well represented
among it country's defenders. In the massacre at Fort Griswold,
Sept. 6, 1781, four of the Stanton family were victims. Quite
a number rendered valuable services in the War of 181 2-1 5 ; and
one of them, Phineas Stanton (178Q-1842), became a major-gen-
eral. In the Civil War, of 1861-5, no less than thirty-six Stan-
tons are known to have served, some as privates, quite a nuriiber
as officers of various rank from corpoiral up toi colonel and
brigadier-general.

Some have engaged in the naval service. Thomas Stanton,
son of Daniel, and a descendant of the first Thomas in the fifth
generation, was with that famous naval commander, John Paul
Jones, on board the "Bon Homme Richard," and was killed in a
naval battle off the coast of Scotland. John Stanton (born 1758),
son of Nathaniel, and a descendant of the first Thomas in the
fifth generation, was in the privateer service in the time of the
Revolution; was captured and confined for a long time on the
infamous Jersey prison ship. Afterward, when France was at
war with England, he enlisted in her marine service and remained
in it quite a number of years, that he might (to use his own
words) "have his revenge upon England for the injury she had
done him."

158 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

The Stantons have been engaged in almost every industrial
employment that has been opened to them. Many have been
farmers; many mechanics and merchants and not a few sea-
faring men. Goodly numbers have entered the learned profes-
sions, and a fair percentage of them have acquired honorable
distinction. Dr. Daniel Stanton (1799-1884), of Mount Pleasant,

Pa., Dr. George D. Stanton (1839 ), of Stonington, and others

have ranked well in the medical profession. Judge Joshua Stan-
ton (1740 ), of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont;

Hon. Joseph Stanton (i 739-1842), member of Congress from

Rhode Island; Hon. Lewis E. Stanton (1833 ), of Hartford,

Conn. ; and others have acquired a good degree of distinction as
lawyers and civilians. Henry Brewster Stanton (1805-1887), of
Connecticut and New York, husband of Elizabeth Cady Stanton,
was quite celebrated in his day as a philanthropist and reformer ;
and his wife was perhaps m.oire celebrated than he. Rev. Robert
Stanton (1751-1821), pastor of Baptist Churches in Stonington
and Woodstock, Conn.; Rev. Benjamin F. Stanton, (1789-1843),
pastor of Presbyterian and Congregational Churches in New
York and Connecticut; Rev. Robert P. Stanton (1818-1898), for
many years pastor of the Congregational Church in Greeneville,

Conn.; Rev. William A. Stanton (1854 ), pastor of Baptist

Churches in Illinois, New York and Pennsylvania; and many
moire have stood well in the clerical profession.

THE STODDARD FAMILY.

The name Stoiddard has been found in history as far back as
1060. There is a tradition that there was a noble Noirman by the
name of Stoddard with William w'hen he invaded England in
1066, and that he was a relative of the famous Conqueror.
Families bearing the name have lived in England, Scotland,
Ireland and Wales. All the Stoid'd'ards in this country claim the
same coait of arms, a fact whidi points to a common antestry.

Anthony Stoddard and three John Stoddards came from Eng-

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 1 59

land to this country about 1638. Anthony settled in Boston,
and became a successful merchant. One O'f the Johns settled in
Hingham, Mass. ; another in Newington or Wethersfield, Conn. ;
and the remaining one, froim whom the Stoddards in Groton
(Ledyard) are descended, was first at Hingham, laiter at Say-
brook, and abO'Ut 1651, in New London. Grants of land were
made to him in New London, alsO' at Stoddard's landing on the
Thames river. Portions of this last named grant are still in the
possession of one of his descendants. He married Catherine
, and had four sons. His posterity is numerous and re-
spectable. He died in 1676, aged 64.

His son, Robert Stoddard, born about 1654, married Mary
Mortimer, daughter of Thoimas Mortimer, about 1684.

Robert Stoddard, Jr., of the third generation, son of Robert
and Mary, boim in 1700, married in 1728 Bathsheba Roigers,
daughter of John Rogers. ;

Mark Stoddard of the fourth generation, son of Robert, Jr.,
and Bathsheba, born in 1743, married in 1768 Lucy AUyn, daugh-
ter of Samuel Allyn. Mark Stoddard was a farmer by occupa-
tion. He was also a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and par-
ticipated in the battle of Bunker Hill. He died March 8, 1829,
aged 85. His wife Lucy (Allyn) Stoddard died July 29, 1831,
aged 84.

Stephen Stoddard, of the fifth generation, son of Mark and
Lucy (Allyn) Stoddard, born in 1788, married in 1810 Sarah
Morgan, daughter of Stephen Morgan. He was a farmer. He
served in the War of 1812-15, later as captain of militia.

Stephen M. Stoiddard, of the sixth generation, son of Stephen
and Sarah (Morgan) Stoddard, boim 1810, married in 1838 Hen-
rietta Allyn, daughter of Col. Roswell Allyn. In early life he
went to sea, and made several whaling voyages out of New Lon-
don. Later he settled on the homestead of his father, and spent
the rest of his life in farming. He died in 1879, aged 69; his
wife in 1887, aged 75.

Ebenezer Stoddard, son of Stephen, in early mianhood, fol-
lowed the sea, and during the Civil War served in the Navy and
was sailing-master on board the "Kearsarge" at time of the bat-

i6o

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

tie off the coast of France
with the rebel "Alabama."
He was married at P'orts-
mouth, N. H., and later on
lived for a while in Brook-
lyn, N. Y.

James Allyn Stoddard, of
the seventh generation, son
of Stephen M. and Hen-
rietta (Allyn) Stoddard,
born Oct. i8, 1848, mar-
ried Sept. 10, 1873, Anna
Mariah Davidson. Their
children were Henrietta,
born Nov. 9, 1874, married
John Finnigan, 1892.

Stephen Denison, bom
Dec. I, 1877.

Albert Morgan, born Jan.. 19, 1881.

Mrs. Anna Mariah Stoddard, died March 10, 1892, aged 42.

Mr. James A. Stoddard, married Dec. 28, 1892, Miss Amey
Jane Hopkins, of Nomvich.

The Stoddards have generally been farmers. Quite a num-
ber of them have been seafaring men, and several, like Sanford
Stoddard (1779- 1860) and his son, Sanford Billings Stoiddard
(1813-1892), have, as sea captains, developed much enterprise
and achieved a high degree of success.

Ebenezbr Stoddard.

THE WILLIAMS FAMILY. •

Denison Billings Williams, the second son of Deacon Eleazar
Williams, was born March; 2, 1794, in the old homestead, on
Williams Hill, Stonington, Conn. He married twice; first,
Hannah Avery, of Groton, daughter of Youngs Avery, and
grand-daughter of Caleb Avery (the old soldier), and Han-
nah Latham, daughter of Capt. Wm. Latham, descendant of

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES.

i6i

Gary Latham, two oi the oldest EngHsh famiHes in this coimtry.
His second wife was Eliza Avery, daughter of Park Avery, of

Groton. After spending a
few years ib, Norwich, he
removed to Ledyard. In
1829, he bought a farm
about a mile south of the
village of POquetanuck,
and there made his home,
in connection with farm-
ing; he held town offices,
settled estates, and was
justice of the peace.

He also bought large
quantities of wool in all
the surrounding towns for
the various mills. He was
a member of the Congre-
gational Church in Led-
yard, and when his hair
was white, did not think he
was too old to attend the Sunday-school.

His two oldest children were born in Stonington, and seven
in Ledyard, and at Thanksgiving time they all came home, both
children and grand-children, where saucer pies and little cakes
were plenty. In 1861 he sold his farm, and moved back to the
old honiestead, where so many of his family had lived and died.
Later, he moved to Preston (Bridge) and bought a home on what
is now Williams street, taking his name. He died Feb. 26, 1867,
aged 72 years. The children of Denison were
Mary Esther, born March 13, 1818.
Denison Billings, born June 30, 1819, died Feb. 23, 1867.
Cecelia Hannah, born July 9, 1822, died Jan. 30, 1893.
Luke Latham, boirn Jan. 12, 1824, died Feb. 15, 1859.
Park Avery, born Feb. 28, 1826, died Aug. 31, 1892.
Eunice Avery, bom M'arch i, 1828.
Benjamin Frank, born April 26, 1830, died March 17, 1893.

Denison B. Williams.

11

l62 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Yoiimgs Avery, born May 25, 1833, died Aug. 24, 1865.

Elam Vanderpool, born July i, 1837, died March 9, 1849.
Youngs Avery was a graduate of Rutgers College, and an •
exemplary and promising yotmg man. At the time of his death
he was studying law with the Hon. John Turner Wait and had
already been admitted to* the bar.

Denison Billings Williams descended from Robert Wilhams,
of Ro'xbury, Mass., whose ancestry, in Wales, can be traced far
back into the Ninth Century. He was boirn in Great Yarmouth,
England, 1598. He married Elizabeth Stratton of the same
place, and came to New England in the ship "Rose," in 1635,
and lived to the great age of 100 years. Their descendants have
been prominent in building up, and supporting the civil, educa-
tional, and religious institutions of their country.

One of his descendaiits, William Williams, of Lebanon,
Conn., was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
He married Mary Trumbull, daughter of Governor Trumbull, of
Connecticut.

His second son, Isaac, bom in Roxbury, 1638, settled on
five hundred acres of land in Newtown (Newton), then included
in Cambridge, Mass. He was a deacon in the church, and rep-
resented Newtown in the General Assembly, for six years. From
his son, by a second marriage, was descended the Rev. John
Williams, the learned and revered Bishop of Connecticut.

Eleazar, of Roxbury, the foufth son of Isaac, by his first
marriage, with Martha Park, came to Connecticut, first to
Lebanon, then to Stonington, Conn. He purchased in 1712, a
tract of land on "Williams Hill" (now known as "Quagataug
Hill"), and built a house, where he lived till his death in 1725.
He and his wife (Mary Hyde) were members of the "Road"
Church in Stonington.

Nehemiah, son of Eleazar, was twice married ; his first wife
was Deborali Williams, and Gen. Joseph Warren, who dies at
Bunker Hill, was their grand-son.

Eleazer, second son of Nehemiah, was born Aug., 1730,

FAMILY HISTORIES AND GENEALOGIES. 163

baptized October, 1730, and was the first person baptized in the
new meeting-house on Agreement Hill, Stonington, Conn. 'He
married Abigail Prentice.

Deacon Eleazar, son of Eleazar and father oi Denison, was
born June, 1759, married Mary Billings, Nov. 5, 1786, and died
March 20, 1814. He lived in the homestead on "Williams Hill ;"
made farming his principal business. He was deacon in the
church, and served in the Revolutionary Army. His great-
granddaughter, Mrs. Josephine Middleton, now owns the home-
stead. [P. E. L.]

CHAPTER XII.
Biographical SketcJies.

Col. Roswell Allyn, son of James and Anna (Stanton)
Allyn, was boirn in North Groton (Ledyard), July ii, 1789. In
the spring of 1806 he commenced as an apprentice at tanning,
currying and shoemaking, just north of Preston line, at the
place where later was the grist and saw-mill of the late Jonah
Witter. He served two years there with a Mr. Capron. In the
spring of 1808 he began as a journeyman with a Mr. Wood-
bridge at the head of Mystic, where he worked two years. In
1810 he set up a small tannery near where he was born and where
he afterward lived most of the time, and where he died Aug. 11,
i860. He was twice a representative froim Groton in the State
Legislature ; the first time with Hon. Elisha Haley, who was af-
terwards in Congress. He held several town offices in Groton.
In 1836, after Ledyard became a town, he was appointed sheriff's
deputy by Alex. Stewart, then sheriff of New London County.
He resigned this to become qualified to act as representative for
Ledyard, being elected in April, 1843. He held to^wn offices at
various times in Ledyard. He belonged to the order of Free
Masons. In early life he enlisted in the troop and when that
was disbanded he served in inifanitry and held offices in company
and regiment. In 181 1 he married Henrietta Morgan, of
Groton, whose children were Henrietta, born 1812, who after-
ward married Stephen M. StO'ddard, of Ledyard, and who died
his widow in 1887. Deborah A., died July 23, 1814, aged 10
months, 14 days. Emila, died Aug. 13, 1815, aged six weeks.
His wife died Sept. 27, 1824. In June, 1826, he married Harriet
Palmer, of Preston, who died Sept. 14, 1888. Her children were
Palmer, born April 26, 1827. Stanton, born Aug. 23, 1835, and
who died in the army in Louisiana, Aug. 28, 1863. [P. A.]

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

165

Lieut. Stanton Allyn, son of Roswell and Harriet
(Palmer) Allyn, was born Aug. 23, 1835, in North Groton, on the
old farm next north of the Bill parsonage, where his father was
born. In 1840 his father moved back to the tannery which he
had left in 1834. When old enough to work he was employed at

tanning and farm-
ing, with the ex-
ception of two
winter terms
when he taught
school. He had a
common scho'ol
education, sup-
plemeinted with
instructioin by
Mr. Joseph H.
Gallup for a short
time. He had
held some im-
portant town of-
fices in Ledyard
when the Civil
War broke out
in the spring of
1861. He was
very anxious to
enlist in the three
months' service,
but wias prevent-
ed by private bus-
iness. In the fall
of 1 86 1 he re-
cruited a portion of a company and with them went into camp
at Hartford the last of November. He was commissioned as
second lieutenant of Company K, Twelfth Regiment, Connecti-
cut Volunteers. The regiment stayed in camp till the last of
February, 1863, when they left for Ship Island, Miss., where they

Lieut. Stanton Adlyn.

1 66 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

remained till New Orleans was captured in April, 1862. They
occupied Camp Parapet, La., for a while. The first time the
regiment was under fire was Oct. 27, 1862, when one man was
killed from Company K. In the spring of 1863 he went with
the regiment into the region of the Red river. Here they were
at one time in battle for about three days, when one morning
the rebel works were found to be evacuated. The regiment fol-
lowed in pursuit, but Allyn was taken ill with malaria and had to
return to New Orleans, where he went to the hospital and stayed
until the last of May, 1863. He went with his regiment to Port
Hudson, where General Banks called foT a picked company of
men to make an assault. Allyn volunteered and nearly reached
the rebel works, but was obliged to seek shelter under the same
till night came and he was rescued, but it was a terrible trial
and required greatest of bravery. He had been recovering from
sickness and was poorly able to endure the conflict at Port Hud-
son. He stayed in camp till Port Hudson surrendered. He
with his company and three other companies were engaged on
the night of June loth and nth, where several men were killed
and wO'Unded, almost under the rebel works. Also on June 14,
and at other times. They were under fire much of the time
during the siege. Port Hudson surrendered July 9th and the
regiment soon after left for Brashaer City, Louisiana. Weak-
ened as he had been by sickness the service at Port Hudson was
too nmch for him, and after a few days' sickness at Brashaer
City, he died Aug. 28, 1863. His body was brought home and
buried in the Allyn burying ground on the Charles Allyn farm,
noiW A. W. Gray's farm.

The following extract from' an article on "Port Hudson" in
Harper's Magazine for August, 1867, gives us some idea of the
character and bearing of Mr. Allyn as a military officer.

"At last daylight appeared. * * * * Lieut. Allyn of
Company K, now arrived from lower down the ravine, and went
into the lines after the stragglers of his command. Re-appear-
ing in the course of a few minutes with a dozen men, he had to
expose himself recklessly in order to shame certain demoralized
ones into advancing ovei" the fatal knoll behind us. He was

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 167

admirable as he walked slowly to and fro at his full height, say-
ing, calmly, 'Com,e along, men ; you see there is no danger.' Old
Putnam, galloping up and down Charlestown Neck, to en-
courage the Provincials through the ricocheting of the British
army, was no finer."

Lieut. Allyn was not only a noble specimen of manhood,
physically, but mentally as well. He was known perhaps as the
best, or one of the best scholars in the tov/n for his years, and
perhaps the most promising of all the youth of Ledyard in those
days. He was given a sash and sword by his admiring friends
early in his military career. [P. A.]

Capt. Gurdon Lathrop Allyn was in the direct line of
descent from Robert Allyn, who came from Salem, Mass., to
New London in 165 1. He was a son of Nathan and Hannah
(Lester) Allyn and was born at Gale's Ferry, Dec. 23, 1799.
His surroundings in childhood and youth evidently determined
his subsequent career. From his earliest years he was familiar
with men and boys connected with the sea-faring life and heard
from them many narratives that were fascinating to him. He
was an eye-witness of scenes and events which early awakened
in him desires and aspirations which coiuld only be satisfied b}'
actual experiences upon broader waters than jihose of the Thames
river, and among other peoples than those whO' dwelt in and
near Gale's Ferry. Hence he embraced the first opportunity of
acquainting himself with "life on the ocean wave," by personal,
participatioai in its varied and trying experiences. His first trip
was with his father to Newport, when only nine years of age.
Some two years later he was with his father on a sloop bound
from Gale's Ferry to Staten Island for oysters. They encoun-
tered a terrible gale on the Sound in which many vessels were
wrecked. But they made a port on Long Island in a disabled
condition and after necessary repairs finished the round trip
with success. One might think that such a trying experience
would cure a boy of his longings for the sea, but as a matter of
fact it seems to have had the opposite efifect. For about as soon
as he could do so to advantage, he was studying navigation under

1 68 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LED YARD.

an experienced teacher, fitting himself for the calling which he

intended to pursue.

A year or two later he is on the sea, mate of a sloop, of which
Capt. Christopher Allyn is master, carrying rice and cotton from
Charleston, S. C, to New York.

The next year he is master of the same vessel engaged in the
West India trade, and in one year's time and before he was twen-
ty-one years of age, he earned for the owner, Mr. Hyde, of Nor-
wich, more money than he had paid for the vessel.

From this time, for several years, he made many voyages
between New London, Hartford and New York, on the north,
and various ports in the Southern States, \\'est India Islands and
northern coast of South America. Sonietimes his enterprises
were very successful and at other times quite the reverse.

In 1829, when about thirty years of age, Capt. Allyn attempt-
ed a longer voyage. As master of the schooner "Spark,"
manned by sixteen seamen, he sailed from New London for the
South African coast, in pursuit of seal-skins. After an absence
of fourteen months, he returned to New London, having made
a voyage which was very satisfactory to all concerned.

In 1832 he made a similar voyage, to the region of Cape Horn,
and in 1834 still another.

In 1842 he went to the Indian Ocean, in the schooner
"Franklin," for whale and sea-elephant oil and returned safely,
making a profitable vo)'age. In 1844-5 he was master of the
ship "Brookline," in which he conveyed a cargo of guano from
an African Island to Boston. After that as master of the ship
"Charles Henry," he circumnavigated the globe, in pursuit of
whale oil and made a profitable voyage. After that he made
three successful voyages bet\^'een New London and Patagonia
for guanoi, twice in the ship "Palladium," and once in the bark
"Iris." Afterwards he made two more voyages around the world,
one in a new bark, the "N. S. Perkins," which was very profita-
ble, and the other in the bark "Tempest." On one of these long
voyages he was accompanied by his wife and daug'hter. On an-
other his wife and the wife of his mate were on board.

On the return from one of these voyages, they had sighted

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 169

Long Island, when the captain, wearied with watching, left the
vessel in charge of his mate, who disregarded the captain's orders,
ran the ship aground on the south side of Long Island, where she
became a wreck ; but the ship was insured and the cargo of oil
was saved. In May, 1861, Capt. Allyn obtained a commission as
acting master and coast pilot in the United States Navy, and
received an order in June, from Com. Dupont, to report for
duty on the United States frigate, "Saint Lawrence." 'He was a
participamt in the famous Merrimac and Monitor engagement at
Hampton Roads, in March, 1862. He had an honorable career
in the navy, and in due time was discharged on account of his
age. His salary while in the service, and the prize-money and
pension, which he afterwards received, were a great help to him
in his declining years.

Capt. Allyn was married Oct. 13, 1822, to Miss Sally Sher-
wood Bradford, of Gale's Ferry, a descendant in the seventh
generation from Gov. Wm. Bradford, who> came over in the
"Mayflower." They had five children, four so-nis and one daugh-
ter, but were survived by only twoi, Gurdon F. Allyn, of Salem,
Conn., and Mrs. Sarah E. Latham, of Gale's Ferry.

Capt. Allyn and his wife moved from Gale's Ferry tOi Salem,
Conn., in 1839, when the captain took a three years' respite from
sea-faring, by managing a farm and a saw-mill and grist-mill, but
they returned to the Ferry in 1863 and spent the closing years
of their lives amid the scenes of their childhooid.

After living together as husband and wife, nearly 66 years,
Mrs. Allyn was called away on August 16, 1888. Just three years
after, on Aug. 16, 1891, Capt. Allyn followed at the advanced age
of 91 years, 7 months, 24 days.

[For 'a fuller account of Capt. Allyn, see his autobiography].

[T. L.]

Rev. Robert Allyn, D. D., LL.D., son of Charles and Lois
(Gallup) Allyn, was born in North Groton (Ledyard), Jan. 24,
1817, on the farm now owned by A. W. Gray. His youth was
spent in work on the farm and study in the district school ; first
in North Groton, then in Motttville, whither the family moved

170 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

in his boyhood. After a season of preparation in Bacon Acade-
my, Colchester, he commenced his career as a teacher in East
Lyme. He fitted for college at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham,
Mass., teaching at intervals vvhile doing so. Taking the four
years' course at Wesleyan University, Middletown, he was gradu-
ated at that institution in 1841. About this date uniting with the
N. E. Southern Conference he supplied for a time the Methodist
Church in Colchester, also that at Thompsonville, Ct. Being in-
vited erelong to be teacher of mathematics in Willbralham Academy
he accepted; and in 1845 became principal of that institution.
Under his management its number of students was irnoreased and
its reputation in the matter of scholarship advanced. He re'signed
this place to accept the position of principal and financial agent
of the East Greenwich Academy in Rhode Island in 1848, and
remained in that position till 1854, when he was appointed com-
missioner of public instruction in that State. He held .the office
for three years, when he was chosen to represent the town in the
State Legislature for the years 1852 and '54. In 1854 he was
appointed by the President of the United States, and commis-
sioned by the Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, visitor at West
Point Military Academy, Robert E. Lee being superintendent of
the Academy at that time. While holding this position he
formed many valuable acquaintances, and greatly profited by
observing the methods of instruction employed in the institution.
In 1857 he removed to Athens, Ohio, and became professor of
Greek and Latin in the Ohio University, located at that place.
At the end of two years he removed to Cincinnati and became
president of the Wesleyan Female College in that city, and re-
mained there till 1863, when he resigned to accept the presidency
of McKendree College in Lebanon, 111. Here he continued till
1874, and then was chosen to be principal of the Illinois Normal
University which the State was just opening at Carbondale.
Plere, to a certain extent, he was enabled to carry out his ideas
of what an American school should be. The male students in
the institution practiced in infantry and artillery each day, taught
by a regular cadet from West Point. After resigning this posi-
tion in 1891 he continued to reside in the place till the time of

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

171

his death, which occurred Jan. 7, 1894. The honorary degrees
of D. D. and LL.D. were conferred upon him by his alma mater.
Professor Allyn was married Nov. 16, 1841, tO' Miss Emeline
Denison, of Colerain, Mass. After becoiming the mother of two
children, a son and a daughter, Mrs. Allyn died April 24, 1844.
On June 24, 1845, Mr. Allyn was married to Miss Mary Budding-
ton, of Leyden, Mass. Two sons and two daughters were the
fruits of this marriage. [In part from New London County
Histo-ry].

Israel Allyn, Esq., son of Abel and Mary (Hakes) Allyn,
was born in North Groton, May 13, 1822. His education was

in the public schools, be-
ing supplemented by sev-
eral terms of attendance
upon select schools. He
began to teach pretty early
in life and continued in the
work nine winters and two
summers. , Later he served
as a travelling agent for the
Henry Bill Publishing Co..
and remiained in the serv-
ice twenty years, achieving
eminent success. After
giving up the book busi-
ness he settled down on the
old ho'mestead as a farmer,
married and reared a fami-
ly. His wife was Miss
Mary Ann Williams, to whom he was married Nov. 25, 1873.
They had two sons and one daughter. Mr. Allyn and his wife
were both members and supporters of the Congregational
Church, and he was superintendent of the Sunday-school for
quite a number of years. Among the town offices which he
held were those of selectman and judge of probate. He repre-
sented the town in the State Legislature in 1869. His death

Israel Alltn, Esq.

172 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LED YARD.

occurred Jan. 22, 1897. He early invested in wild lands in Iowa
which, later on," became valuable, and made him quite wealthy.
He bequeathed one thousand dollai-s to the Congregational
Church.

Edward Avery, who with his brother Christopher, settled
in the noirth-west corner of Groton (now Ledyard), was the
second son of James Avery, Jr., and if the recorded dates are
correct he was born March 20, 1676, just seven days before his
father left Norwich as lieutenant in his father's co^mpany, on the
expedition intO' the Narragansett country during King Philip's
war, when the sachem Canonchet was captured, whose capture
and death was really the death blow of the war. He married
Joanna Rose, June 3, 1699, daughter of Thoitnas Rose, whose
house stood on Rose Hill, and became a noted landmark, being
near the boundry line between Preston and Groton and near the
south-east corner of the nine-miles square, the original claim of
Norwich. He built him a home on the west side of what is
now called Avery Hill near Poquetanuck cove. Here he and
his wife Joanna lived to a ripe old age, sixty years of married
life. They had thirteen children — 'a. baker's dozen — and nearly
all of them lived to mature age and married. He died March
14, 1759, and was buried in his own family burying ground, a
well selected spot not far from his house on a high bluff just
back from Poquetanuck cove.

Since then many of his own family have been gathered around
him. His wife survive^d him less than two years. Their graves
are marked by enduring stones, well lettered. His will dated Feb.
I, 1752, was witnessed by Nathan Avery, Jacob Avery and Samuel
Hutchinson, and approved June 19, 1759, by G. Saltonstall, judge
of probate. An inventory taken after his death of his wearing
apparel and household goods contained a long list. The follow-
ing are a few of the many articles mentioned : Seven coats, one
full suit, a beaver hat, eleven pair hose, three pair shoes, six
linen shirts, a silver-heade'd cane, a wearing sword and three
belts, a pistol, two cutlasses, two guns and five flints, a drum, a
Bible and eleven books, seventeen chairs, a spoon mould, two

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I73

button moulds, three shot moulds, and bullet mould, a looking
glass, an hour glass, warming pan, twO' coffee-pots, tea-pdt, spice
mill, chopping knife, seven iron pots, four brass kettles, tea ket-
tle, lignvim-vitse mortar, eight tubs, nine trays, three sugar boxes,
ivory handle knife and fork, case of knives and forks, linen table
cloth and napkins, tea and saucers. [B. T. A.]

Capt. Christopher Avery, was born in Groton, Jan. 25,
1679-80. His parents were James Avery, 2nd, and Deborah
(Stallyon) Avery. Both he and his brother Edward settled on
Avery Hill in North Groton (now Ledyard), a mile or twO' south
of Poquetanuck, probably on lands granted to their grandfather,
James Avery, ist, in 1653. He appears toi have been a very in-
fluential and useful man. In the militia he held successively the
offices of ensign, lieutenant, and captain. He was also' justice
of the peace, town clerk, clerk of the ecclesiastical society, and
was retained in so^me of these offices many years in succession.
The first pew in the North Groton meeting-house was built by
him, so say the society records. For a considerable time after
the recognition of North Groton as a separate parish, the pro^
fessors of religion residing there were connected with the church
in the South Society. On a catalogue of these professors, drawn
up Nov. 22, 1727, containing about forty names, appear the
names of Christopher Avery and wife, Edward Avery and wife,
and Christopher Avery, Jr. The subject of this sketch was mar-
ried Dec. 19, 1704, toi Abigail Park, daughter of Capt. John Park,
of Preston. This wife bore him four children — John, Abigail,
Christopher and Nathan, and died Feb. 12, 1713. On April 14,
1714, he was married to Mrs. Prudence (Payson) Wheeler, widow
of Richard Wheeler, of Stonington. Her first marriage was
solemnized in Roxbury, Mass., where she probably belonged.
She had three sons and a daughter by her first husband. Her
children by Mr. Avery were Priscilla, Isaac, Jacob and Temper-
ance. After the death of his second wife, Mr. Avery was mar-
ried to Mrs. Esther (Hammond) Prentice. This wife ^also' died
before him. And in his will, made in 1752, the year before his
own death, he speaks of his "wife Susanna," whom tradition af-

174 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

firms to have been a Stoddard. A partial inventory of property,
appended to his will, gives the value of his homestead farm as
£10,000 (old tenor?), Brewster's Neck farm of 70 acres, £2,500;
his negroes, Jude, £500; Jenne, £260; Nero, £530; Lydia,
£260; Sarah, £240; and Tom, £210. In the year 1888 a plain
obelisk of brown stone, commemorating the memory of Mr.
Avery and his four wives, was placed over their graves in the
cemetery on the east side of Avery Hill, the expense being borne
by several of his descendants.

Rev. Nathan Avery, son of Capt. Christopher and Abigail
(Parke) Avery, was born in North Groton, March 10, 1712. He
was ordained pastor of the Separate or Strict Congregational
Church in North Stonington, April 25, 1759; died in the twenty-
second year of his ministry, Sept. 7, 1780. He was married
March 21, 1746, to^ Hannah Stoddard. They had four sons and
three daug-hters. Mrs. Avery died Oct. 10, 1810.

Rev. Christopher Avery, son of Christopher Avery, Jr.,
and Eunice (Prenitice) Avery, was born in North Groton, Jan. 23,
1737-8. He succeeded his uncle. Rev. Nathan Avery, in the
pastorate of the Separate Church in North Stonington, Nov. 29,
1786, and continued to minister to this church till the time of his
death, which occurred July 5, 1819. His grave marked by a
large white marble slab, is on Wintechog Hill. He was mar-
ried, first, to Dorothy Heath, Dec. 16, 1763. By her he had five
children, four sons and one daughter. Mrs. Avery died June
14, 1803, aged 61. Mr. Avery was married again, Nov. 7, 1803,
to 'Miss Mary Eldridge, who out-lived him some nineteen or
twenty years, dying Dec. 7, 1848, aged 89.

Henry William Avery, Esq., was born in Groton, Oct. 12,
1795, the son of Col. Ebenezer and Mary (Eldredge) Avery, and
grandson of Ebenezer Avery, Jr., who was slain in Fort Gris-
wold, at the British massacre, Sept. 6, 1781. He was of the
eighth generation from Christopher Avei-y who came from
Salisbury, England, in 1630, and settled in Gloucester, Mass.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

175

Through his mother he was of the eighth generation from Elder
William Brewster of the Mayflower. His education was gained
in the district school of his home opposite the New London fort,
the house of his parents and grandparents still (1900) standing.
At the close of school age the family moved to the house in
North Groton which, in 1836, became the soiith-east house in
the new town of Ledyard. At the age of seventeen he served

about two months in the
War of 1812. When nine-
teen years old he united
with the First Congrega-
tional Church in Groton,
under the ministry of Rev.
Timothy Tuttle, after-
wards, by letter, Feb. 22,
1835, with the Congrega-
tional Church in North
Groton (Ledyard), under
the same ministry. He was
married Nov. 27, 1817, to
Betsey, daughter of Fred-
erick and Hannah (Fish)
Denison. As justice of the
peace his services were re-
garded as very valuable in
adjusting difficulties and
reconciling contending parties. For many years he held the
position of judge of proibate, rendering kindly and faithful serv-
ices in the fulfillment of the delicate duties of that office. He
was ever helpful in his relation to the church, usually among the
first to reach the Sabbath services with his family in a drive of
five miles. As teacher and superintendent of the Sabbath-
school he showed his loving devotion to the spiritual interests
of the young. He had the charge of the large farm where, with
his parents, he resided for thirty years, giving his loving and
faithful care to his aged parents ' while they lived. When this
filial service was no longer needed, he laid aside the re'sponsibili-

Henry W. Avert, Esq.

176 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

ties and labors of his active life, and with his wife moved to
Belvidere, III., to live in the house which he built on the prairie
for the use of himself and his son who preceded him, a few years,
to that place. The rest of his days were spent in comparative
quiet, yielding what labors he pleased to his garden and the
farm of his son. On his removal from Ledyard he connected
himself with the Presbyterian Church in Belvidere, and con-
tinued to be a punctual attendant at the Sabbath services as long
as strength permitted, and with as interested attention as his
serioius and prolonged defect of hearing would allow. The
great and sore trial of his life was the sudden death of his de-
voted companion in Belvidere, May 11, 1866, at the age of 66.
He had hitherto lived much with his Bible, in private and family
devotions, but when she who had walked on with him from early
manhood until near the jubilee was taken from him, then es-
pecially the loved Book became his daily, almost honrly, com-
panion, and this is his own record : "J^'^s 21, 1866, commenced
reading Scott's Bible with notes and commentaries ; finished the
first volume Nov. 15, 1866. Finished the second volume Dec.
20, 1866. Finished third volume Jan. 14, 1867. Finished fourth
volume Feb. 11, 1867. Finished fifth volume March 9, 1867.
Finished sixth volume April 8, 1867." After that he read the
Bible, in co-urse without notes, so frequently, that his record
shows that he had read it ninety-six times since April, 1867.
The hours of the Sabbath were sacredly observed, secular papers
and ordinary books being discarded, and sometimes three or four
sermons being read instead.

He retained an active mind and deep interest in passing
events. His correspondence was quite extensive and continued
to the last — the latest letter which came to him, a short time be-
fore his death, being from his life-long frienid and frequent cor-
respondent, Jonathan Whipple, of Ledyard. The blessing of
almost uninterrupted health and strength had been his through
his long life. His last sickness kept him to his room and bed
only twelve days, and, having no desire to abide, he went to his
heavenly home March 5, 1883, aged 87 years, 4 months, 21 days.
Two sons, Frederick D. and Henry W., survive. [F. D. A.]

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

177

Rev. Frederick Denison Avery, son of Henry W. and
Betsey (Denison) Avery, was born in the north-east corner house
of the present town of Groton, Oct. 30, 1818. His childhood and
youth was spent in the house a few rods above, now in the town
of Ledyard. Having graduated from the "Pumpkin Hill" school,
he took a "short course" in the study of his pastor, Rev. Timothy

Tuttle, whose daughter,
Anna Maria, was his prin-
cipal teacher. At the close
of his farm life, when
seventeen years old, in
February, 1836, his father
gave him a sleigh-ride, a
week long, toi Sherburne in
Central New York, where
he entered the shop of his
uncle, Sidney Avery, to
learn the cabinet trade.
The first lesson, however,
for him to learn was to be a
GhristiarL, as he passed im-
mediately intO' the pro-
tracted meetings which his
uncle wished all his family
to attend. Very soon the
great question of his life was decided, and, with many others he
united with the Congregationial Church in Sherburne, in April,
1836. In attendance upon the commencement exercises at
Oneida Institute where his cousin, Colby C. Mitchel, was to
graduate, his attention was earnestly directed by his cousin to'
the work of the gospel ministry. Having spent eighteen months
in the cabinet shop he returned to his father's house to confer
with his parents, and in a short time went to a proposed school
in Derby, with Isaac Jennings as instructor. This enterprise
failing, he followed his instructor to a classical school in New
Haven, in preparation for college. He united, by letter, with
the Congregational Church in Ledyard, March 3, 1839. After a
12

Rev. Frederick D. Avert.

178 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

winter's practice as schoolm-aster, boarding around in the Union-
ville district in Ledyard, he entered the freshman class in Yale
College, in September, 1840, having two years previously secured
the privilege and pecuniary aid and had the care of the chapel
for his senior year. With a fair standing in his class of 104, he
was graduated in 1844. Passing immediately into- the Yale Di-
vinity School, he received his graduation there in 1847, in a
class of thirty-three, the Rev. John Avery, of Preston, being one.
He was licensed to preach Aug. 12, 1846, by the New Haven
West Association. Having preached two months in South King-
ston, R. I., and two months in Exeter (Lebanon), to aid the
minister in each place, and as stated supply in Eden, N. Y.,
fifteen months, he received a call from the Congregational
Church in Columbia, Conn., where he was ordained and installed,
June II, 1850. This pastorate terminated in accordance with the
following announcement made July 14, 1895 : "To the Congre-
gational Church and Ecclesiastical Society : Forty-five years
ago necessity was laid upon me to preach the gospel, and in this
house taking the pastoral charge of the church and congrega-
tion worshipping here. With this protracted service the neces-
sity is now laid upon me to lay down this charge because of
these accumulating years with my increasing disabilities, es-
pecially my difficulty of hearing. I, therefore, hereby resign this
pastorate, the resignation tOi take eiifect on the thirty-first day
of October, next. Affectionately, Frederick D. Avery." At the
beginning of his pastorate in that farming town, where there was
no other church, the church numbered 118, and at its close 178.
There were seven special revival seasons, and benevolent con-
tributions were trebled. When his active service cloised Mr.
Avery, by vote of the church, became Pastor Emeritus. He was
a member of the school board 36 years, a large portion of the
tiine being acting school visitor. He has now (1900) been a
member 32 years, and president 27 years, of a board of trustees
of the "Hale Donation Fund" of $10,000. for the perpetuation
and increase of a ministers' library for the vicinity of Coventry,
and for giving aid to needing theological students. He has
attended sixty-six ecclesiastical councils. He was registrar of

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I79

Tolland Association of Congregational Ministers seventeen years,
and of Tolland County Conference seventeen years. In 1880 he
was moderator of the General Association of Connecticut, and
in the following year delivered the moderator's address. His
published writings have been pamphlets, including "Historical
address at the i soth Anniversairy of the Columbia Congrega-
tional Church, in 1866;" "Historical a:ddress at the looth Anni-
versary of the Tolland County Asso'ciation of Congregational
Ministers, June, 1889;" "Loyalty to the Church," an essay, read
at the county conference, October, 1893. He was a member of
the Connecticut House of Representatives in 1885. In the sum-
mer of 1879, as a member of the excursion party, directed by
Eben Tourjee, he visited the Scottish lakes and cities London,
Paris, chief cities of Switzerland, Italy and Holland.

March 12, 1849, ^^ marrie'd Julia Sophia, . daughter of Ros-
well and Phebe (Harrison) Smith, in New Haven, Rev. Edward
Strongf, his former college tutor, officiating. A daughter, Julia'
Sophia, born June 11, 1855, was graduated from Mount Holyoke
Seminary in 1876, and has been engaged in teaching since that
time. Her mother died June 24, 1855, at the age of 32. He
married at Hagaman, N. Y., May 18, 1857, Charlotte, daughter
of Benjamin and Barbara (De Grafife) Mansy, Rev. Lansing
Pearce oifticiating. A son, Frederick Henry, bo^m July 10, 1863,
married Lillian Irene, daughter of George B. and June (Clark)
Fuller, November 20, 1889, his father officiating. Hugh Fred-
erick, son of F. H. aiid L. I. Avery, born April 15, 1891, died
Sept. 5, 1896. Another son, Frederick Denison Avery, was born
Sept. 13, 1895.

Residence of Rev. F. D. Avery, and of his son, F. H., is now
at East Hartford, Conn. [F. D. A.]

Henry William Avery, Jr., son of Henry William and
Betsey (Denison) Avery, was born in Groton, Conn., May 31,
1823. His childhood and youth were spent in the home of his
parents, upon the farm, attending the district school during the
winter months, until at seventeen years of age he taught the
winter term of school at Ledyard Centre, near the church, and

l8o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

for three winters and one summer at Burnet's Corners in Groton.
He was one of twenty-five, who united with the Congregational
Church in Ledyard, Jan. i, 1843, under the pastorate of Rev.
Timothy Tuttle. This was the largest accession ever made to
that church at any one time previous to that date. The summer
of 1844 was spent in the family of his uncle, Sidney Avery, in
Sherburne, N. Y., and in attendance upon the Sherburne Acade-
my. He was married Sept. 10, 1844, to Miss Lydia Goodell
Avery, daughter of Sidney and Mary (Dickey) Avery. The fol-
lowing winter they were with his parents in Ledyard, Conn., he
teaching in the school-house on Pumpkin Hill, where his early
education was obtained. In the spring of 1845 they joined his
wife's parents in Sherburne, N. Y., and all emigrated to Belvi-
dere, Boone County, 111., and united by letter v/ith the First
Presbyterian Church of that place. He was soon thereafter
elected superintendent of the church Sunday-school, which posi-
tion he held most of the time for forty years. In 1852 he was
elected and ordained ruling elder of the church, and in 1855 he
was elected clerk of session, both of which offices he has con-
tinuously held and retains to this date, April, 1900. As secretary
and treasurer of church and society for forty-five vears nearly
all the records have been kept by him, and all funds, for all
purposes. His occupation for thirty-five years in Illinois, was
farming, having converted the natural prairie soil into well-cul-
tivated and fruitful fields. During these years upon the farm,
five miles from the city and the church, he organized and helped
sustain many country Sunday-schools. In 1881 he retired from
the farm of three hundred acres, and located in the city of Belvi-
dere. At the county Sunday-school convention in that year, he
was elected president of the Boone County Sunday-school As-
sociation, which office was continued bv re-election for ten
years. In 1887, after having been elected moderator of presby-
tery and having delivered the address as retiring moderator,
Freepoirt Presbytery, upon its own motion, granted him licensure
to preach. Having this authority he has often supplied vacant
pulpits and conducted funeral services. Many of his public ad-
dresses and essays at Presbytery Sunday-school conventions,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. l8l

dairymen's conventions and farmers' institutes, have been pub-
lished. Numerous estates have been entrusted tO' him for settle-
ment, and his counsel and aid are often solicited. For twenty
years he has been and yet is secretary and business manager of
"The Belvidere Farmers' Mutual Fire and Lightning Insurance
Company of Boone County, Illinois." In May, 1847, the wife
oi his yorith was removed by death, leaving one daughter, Eliza-
beth Denison, about six months old. In October, 1848, he was
united in marriage with Miss Rachel Patterson McCord, daugh-
ter O'f Elder Robert McCord, oi Carlisle, Pa. They have no
children. His daughter, Elizabeth, was married in June, 1873,
to John C. Thompso-n, of Belvidere, 111. She died in December,
1880; Two sons, Edward Avery Thoimpson and Henry Sidney
Thompsoin, survive her. The eldest is now a senior in Ann
Arbor, Michigan, University. The youngest is now a senior
in the Belvidere High School. The last visit of Mr. Avery to
the ho'me of his youth was in 1891, when he preached for his
friend. Rev. James A. Gallup, in Madison, for his brother, Rev.
F. D. Avery, in Columbia, and for Rev. John Avery, in his home
church in Ledyard. He also-, by special invitation, made an ad-
dress at the Bill Library dinner in the Bill homestead, now occu-
pied and used as a parsonage for the Congregational Church.

[H. W. A.]

Christopher Swan Avery, M. D., son of Isaac and Lucy
(Swan) Avery, was boirn in North Groton, Nov. 25, 1788. "He
served in the medical department of the army in the War of
181 2; was a successful practitioner, both in physic and surgery,
and no man in his time was his superior." His practice as a
physician was chiefly in the town of Windham, in this State ;
though a portion of it, toward the close of his life, was near the
home of his childhood, in the village of Poquetanuck and the
surrounding community. His first wife was Margaret Brew-
ster, a daughter of Judge Benjamin Brewster, of Windham^ She
bore him three children — Benjamin Brewster, who died April 4,
1827, aged 8 years. Susan, whoi married a Prior, and Lucy

l82 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Swan, who died July 12, 1827, aged 4 years. Mrs. Avery died
April 7, 1827, aged 32. He miarried far a second wife, the
widow of Dr. Kent, from the State of New York. He died in
Windham, July 19, 1862, aged 73.

Amos Geer Avery, M. D., youngest son of Nathan and
Matilda (Babcock) Avery, was born in North Groton, March 3,
1822. He studied with his uncle. Dr. Christopher S. Avery;
attended lectures in Connecticut and New Hampshire, and re-
ceived his diploma from the Medical Institute in Louisville, Ky.,
in 1845, in ^ class of 345 members. "Soon after graduating he
went to Iowa, then to California and stayed till 1857, when he
returned east, and practiced medicine a few years in Orleans
County, N. Y. On the fitting out of the Burnside expedition to
North Carolina, he was on the staff of William O. Howard, as
marine agent, and had charge of eleven boats. He returned
broken in health, and crippled by internal injuries, contracted in
■ the line of duty, and was pensioned at seventeen dollars per
month. He returned to the army and held an appointment
from Surgeon- General S. Oakley Vanderpoel, to the Forty-
fourth New York Regiment (Ellsworth's Avengers), General
Rice then in command. * * * * He was then chosen for
the service in New York and vicinity, in examining men and
supervising army camps and hospitals, and this continued to
near the close of the war." After the war he located at Bergen,
N. J., where he practiced medicine for several years ; then moved
to Portland, Oregon. But the climate not agreeing with him
he went to Florida and resumed his professional work in that
sunny state. He was married, about 1859, in Wilna, Lewis
County, N. Y., to Caroline Amanda Johnson. 'They had one
son and two daughters. Only one of the three children, the
youngest, Frederikie, lived to grow up. She was married April
13, 1872, to Adelbert Vrooman, of Great Bend, N. Y. Mrs. Dr.
Avery died in Florida, May 2, 1892. Dr. Avery died at the home
of his daughter, Sept. 18, 1898,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

183

Henry Bill. Few of the sons of New London County have
made a more lasting impress upon its material and moral in-
terests than the subject of this notice. He was born in that
part of the old town of Groton (now Ledyard) on the i8th of
May, 1824, the second born of the large family of Gurdon and
Lucy Bill. At the early age of fifteen he entered the office of
the New London Gazette as an apprentice, but soon afterwards re-
turned to his native town, and the following winter engaged as a
teacher in the Broadbrook district in Preston. In order to qualify
himself for the profession of teacher he afterwards entered the

Academy in Plain-
field, then one of
the most celebrated
schoiols in the coun-
try Froim this time,
till the ^ge of twen-
ty, he taught in the
schools of Plainfiield
and Groton in the
winter and helped
his father on his
farm ini summer, in-
terspersing his occu-
pations with a brief
period of trade in
New London. At
age of twenty he
purchased of his
father his remaining
year of minority,
and so'on after en-
tered upon a busi-
ness which was destined to occupy the remainder of his active life,
and in the prosecution of which he achieved all the objects of his
highest ambition. A near kinsman, the Hon. James A.Bill of Lyme
was then engaged in book publishing in the city of Philadelphia.
Into his service he entered, and for three years he traveled for

Hon. Henry Bill.

184 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

him through the Western States; At the end of that time, in
the fall of 1847, he returned to his native county and engaged
in book publishing om his own account, locating in the city of
Norwich. He was encouraged to do this by the elder Harper
llrothers, of New York, who, instinctively, saw the material for
success there was in him, and who gave him unlimited credit
and remained his warmest friends during their lives. Here, for
more than twenty-five years, he pursued his profession of a book
publisher with ceaseless energy and with uniform success. Re-
warded with the possession of an ample fortune, and failing in
health, he then formed his large business intO' a joint stock cor-
poration, which still flourishes under the title of the Henry Bill
Publishing Company, and personally retired, as the world ex-
presses it, from active life. But in temperaments like his, there
is no period of a man's life more active than that which succeeds
a retirement .from that occupation by which he is best known
among men.

A list of the works which he has published and distributed
by hundreds of thousands all over the United States by agents
would include "Stephens' Travels in Yucatan," "Maunder's
History of the World," "Murray's Encyclopedia of all Nations,"
"Kitto's Bible Histories," and "Abbott's History of the Civil
War."

Among the many works which have distinguished his life
may be mentioned his founding of Laurel Hill, now one of the
most thiifty and beatitiful of the suburbs o-f the city of Norwich ;
the reclaiming of this rugged hillside and meadow was emphatic-
ally his work ; the establishment of the Bill Library in his native
town of Ledyard, a work purely for the benefit of the people of
the town, and which, in connection with his gift of a parsonage,
has cost him at least twelve thousand dollars : and the donation
of a public park on Laurel Hill to the city of No^rwich valued at
eight thousand dollars. He has been deeply interested in the
education of many colored >-oung men in the Southern States
since the war, one of whom is now a professor in the Richmond
University in Virginia, and one an editor of a paper in Georgia.

In early life Mr. Bill's political affiliations were with the

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 185

Democratic party, as his father's were, before him, and as a
Democrat he represented the Norwich district in the State
Senate in 1853, receiving in the election a large portion of the
votes of his opponents ; but 'in the split in that party in 1856 he
cast his lot with the anti-slavery sentiment, and has been from
its formation an active and uncompromising member of the Re-
publican party. During the Civil War he was greatly relied
upon by Connecticut's war Governor, Buckingham, and was his
devoted friend. His time and means were always at the service
of the State. Mr. Bill froim early life was a member of the
Congregational Church, and during his residence in Norwich
was connected with the Broadway Society. He was married on
the loth of February, 1847, to Miss Julia O. Chapman, of
Groton. Seven children have been born to them, of whom two
daughters and a son are living. Mr. Bill has always had great
faith in the future of his adopted city. His investments have
been almost wholly there in real estate. In its care and manage-
ment he foimd ample occupation. In all the leading traits
of his life, his example has been a sale guide, and when the
roll of the sons of New London County, who have made them-
selves an honored name, is called, his will be found among the
first.

He died at Eastern Point, Groton, Aug. 14, 1891, while sum-
mering there with his family. His place of burial was Yantic
cemetery in Norwich. They had children :

Henry Gustavus, born Nov. 18, 1847, died Nov. 3, 1853.

John Harper, born June 21, 1851, died 1871.

Henry Sumner, born June 19, 1856, died -.

Julia Florence, boTn April 29, 1S58, married Rev. J. Henry
Selden, and live in (jreenwich. Conn. They have one son, Henry
Bill Selden.

Jennie Eliza, born April 8, i860.

Frederic Abbott, born March 12, 1864, married Ella Sprague,
March 15, 1889, and live in Springfield, Mass.

[N. L. Co. History.]

1 86

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Capt. James A. Billings, son of Col. Stephen and Martha
(Denison) BilHngs, was bom in North Groton, Feb. 24, 1821.
He received his education in the public schools; early he began
to teach in them, and prosecuted the work through sixteen sea-
sons. He succeeded his father in the occupancy of the home-
stead farm, and his principal employment on to the close of life
was the cultivation of this farm. He and his family were all

members and active sup-
porters of the Congrega-
tional Church. In early
life Mr. Billings was
chosen captain of the mili-
tary company to which he
belonged and bore the title
as long as he lives. In the
year 1881 he represented
the town in the State Leg-
islature. For several years,
in the latter part of his life,
he held the office of judge
of probate. He was mar-
ried December 28, 1852.
to Miss Margarette J.
Allyn. They had one son
Capt. James A. Billings. and three daughters. He

died at his home in Ledyard, December 7, 1896.

Franklin Brewster was bom Jan. 15, 181 1, near Poque-
tanuck in Preston, on the Shipley Halsey farm. His parents
were Nathan and Cynthia Brewster. They died when he was
a small boy. He then went to live with his guardian, Theophilus
I Avery, of Ledyard, with whom he remained till he was a young
man, meanwhile learning the carpenter's trade. His leading
employment through life was that of a carpenter. He also
owned a small farm to the cultivation of which he gave his at-
tention when not pressed with* other engagements. He was
frequently trusted with important interests by his fellow towns-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 187

men. In 1876 he was the representative of Ledyard in the
State Legislature. From 1876 to 1885 he was president of the
Bill Library Association. In this work, from first to last, he
had the earnest and efficient co-operation of his wife who< gave
much time and labor every year toi the preparation of the elalbo-
rate dinner provided for the trustees and their invited guests.
Mr. Brewster was for many years an esteemed member and
earnest worker in the Congregational Church. He was mar-
ried Nov. 23, 1832, to Sarah Elmina Stoddard. They had two
children, William Franklin and Harriet. Mr. Brewster died
March 22, 1885, at the age oi 74.

The son married Ellen Allyn, daughter of Abel Allyn, and
went West and lived a number of years, and then returned, and
now lives on "Meeting-honse Hill."

Jabez' Brewster, the father of John, Sr., was a native of
New London Coimty, and a farmer. His family comprised six
sons and two daughters ; one married Jeremiah S. Halsey.

John Brewster, Sr., was born in Preston, Dec. 15, 1782,
and died Nov. 12, 1848, a few days after he had cast his vote for
President and Vice-President of the United States. His wife
was Mary (commonly called Polly) Morgan, daughter of Capt.
Israel Morgan, a soldier of the Revolution. Capt. Morgan's
father was William Morgan, and a lineal descendant of James
Morgan, born in Wales in 1607, who settled in Pequot, now
New London. He died June 4, 1816, his death being caused
by an accident. In 1820, John Brewster, Sr., purchased the
homestead then known as the "Capt. Israel Morgan Farm," but
now called "Hillside Farm." His family consisted of three
sons and a daughter, who married Elisha A. Crary, and had a
large family.

Hon. John Brewster, son of John, Sr., and Mary (Morgan)
Brewster, now living in retirement in Ledyard, Conn., upon
the Brewster homestead, was born May 13, 1816, in the

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Hon. John Brewster.

adjoining town of Preston,
and is a direct descendant
of the distingxiished Pil-
grim leader, William Brew-
ster, "the excellent Elder
of Plymouth," whose eldest
son, Jonathan, was the
first town clerk of New
London. He is the only
surviving son of the family
and grew to manhooid on
the farm, was educated in
the common schools, and
in Colchester Bacon Acad-
emy. He enlisted as ser-
gra.njt in a rifle company
from Grot on and Stoming-
tO'n, when in his eighteenth year, and afterwards was chosen cap-
tain, by which title he is now well known. Previo.us to- his mar-
riage he taught schoiol several winters. Mr. Brewster was mar-
ried April 2, 1840, to Mary Esther Williams, daughter of Denison
Billing's Williams and Hannah Avery, of Stonington. Mrs.
Brewster, now in her eighty-third year, was the eldest of nine
children, seven of whom have passed away. The remaining
sister is the wife of Richard A. Roberts, of Brooklyn, N. Y. Six
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brewster:

Mary Hannah, born Jan. 19, 1841, died Sept. 2, 1842.
John Denison, born Jan. 29, 1843 ; "'^s married to M. Adaliza
Geer, Oct. 18, 1871 ; died April 30, 1894, leaving his wife and
two children, Clara Loiuise and Arthur Morgan.

Fanny Halsey, born Sept. 14, 1845, was married June 30,
1868, to Thomas A. Geer, of Cleveland, O., formerly of Ledyard.
They have one daughter, Mary Brewster, now married to Edwin
L, Thurston, a prominent lawyer of Cleveland, O., and have one

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. . v ,; I89

son, Thomas Brewster, the only great-grandchild of Mr. and
Mrs. Brewster.

Phebe Esther, born July 21, 1848, was married Oct. 22, 1873,
to Benjamin F. Lewis, Jr., of Mystic.

Frank Wihiams, born April 24, 1854, was married Oct. 24,
1878, to Mary L. Brown, of Preston. They have two children,
Hannah Elizabeth and Phebe Halsey. The son Frank and his
family remain on the homestead.

Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Brewster bro-ught his wife
to the home, where he has lived more than eighty years, and
with his wife over sixty years. The farm, situated in the town
of Ledyard, and just south of the village of Poquetanuck, four
miles from Norwich, contains about 140 acres. The house is
over 200 years old, but has always been kept in gooid repair.
In it were born the twelve children of Capt. Morgan. It is re-
lated that one of the little girls, on her way tOi school, meeting
a stranger, was, asked by him what family she belonged to, and
she prO'mptly replied, that she "belonged tO' the tribe of Israel."

In addition to tilling his farm, Capt. Brewster bought wool
in company with the late L. W. Carroll, of Norwich, and also
for the Yantic Woolen Co. In the capacity of appraiser, trustee
and administrator, he has often assisted in settling estates, some
or them requiring the liandling of large amoiunts of property,
and involving knotty and troublesome problems. 'He was al-
ways conspicuous for broad intelligence, and sound judgment,
honest, kind-hearted and generous to a fault. He, with his
family, have always attended St. James' Episcopal Church of
Poquetanuck, of which he has been a liberal supporter.

He represented the town of Ledyard, in the House of Repre-
sentatives, 1847, 1851 and 1878, and the Tenth district in the
Senate, i860, 1885 and 1886. A contemporary paper thus speaks
of him : "The Tenth district, in the person of senator, whO' has
been one of the most prominent senators at the capitol, has had
much excellent effect upon legislation. The senator has cared
for fisheries and temperance, being at the head of the committees
on those topics, but his usefulness has been in no sense confined
to this pent-up field. As a menjber of the committee on execu-

igO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

tive nominations he has served the Senate well. On all the lead-
ing matters before the Seriate, he has had the courage of his con-
victions, and has asked questions, and made some statements
very hard for antagonists tO' answer."

FoT several years he held the office of selectman (first and
second), probate judge of the town of Ledyard, and president of
the Bill Library Association. He was president of the Mer-
chants Bank, of Norwich, twelve years, and is now the first vice-
president of the Norwich Savings Society. He was also director,
president and treasurer (until his health failed) of the New Lon-
don County Agricultural Society, and for several years a mem-
ber of the State Board of Agriculture. In politics Mr. Brew-
ster was" a Republican.

Let a life-long neighbor add her tribute to her worthy friends :

"Captain Brewster and his estimable wife, have ever been
noted, in their own neighborhood., for their charity to the needy,
and sympathy in sorrow. No poor neighbor ever went to them
in trouble who did not come away with a more hopeful heart and
a heavier purse. Their generous deeds were not the impulse of
the moment, but the fruit of their religious principles. In the
evening of their lives, these words of Scott can be truly applied
to them :

'When the hour of death comes, it is not what we have done
for ourselves, but what we have done for others, that we think
of most pleasantly.' "

John D. Brewster, the eldest son of Captain and Mrs.
Brewster, was a worth scion of the parent stock. His genial
address attracted, and his uprightness secured for him a host of
friends in his business life, under the firm name of "O'Brien &
Brewster." He held the positions of councilman and water
commissioner, and served the city of Noirwi'ch faithfully and con-
scientiously. [P. E. L.]

Elias S. Brown, son of Avery W. Brown, enlisted from
Ledyard as a private in Company C, First Connecticut Cavalry,
Oct. 31, 1861. He was promoted to coirpoiral Oct. 23, 1863,
and to sergeant of Company G Nov. i ; while in this position he

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I91

was detailed to take charge of the pioneer corps. He re-en-
listed as a veteran Dec. 17, 1863 ; was promoted tO' first sergeant
Feb. 12, 1864, to second lieutenant Nov. 17, and to first lieuten-
ant Dec. 5. On the fourth of February, 1865, he accompanied
Col. Whitaker, with three hundred picked men, on a difficult
march all day and all night, over the AUeghanies, of seventy
miles, thirty of them within the enemy's lines, toi surprise and
capture Major Harry Gilmore, the famous rebel raider. The war
having closed, he was honorably discharged Aug. 2, 1865, and
returned to Ledyard, where he pursued the vocation of a farmer
and in which town he died March 18, 1877.

Hon. Stiles Ashbel Crandall was born in Ledyard, Oct.
12, 1851, son of Stiles and Caroline L. (Greene) Crandall. On
the paternal side he is of Scotch descent, and on the maternal
side English. After receiving a common school education, he
attended the law school connected with the State University of
Iowa, from which he was graduated in the class of 1878. Before
taking up the study of law he taught school, besides working on
a farm. In 1879 1^^ was admitted to the bar of the State of
Connecticut, and at once began practice in Norwich, and has
continued in said practice to the present time. In 1881 he was
one of the representatives of the town in the State Legislature,
and from 1888 to 1892 he was muyoir of the City of Norwich.
He was a member of the State Senate in 1893 > ^'^^ ™ 1^95 'W'^s
a candidate for the Lieutenant-Governor on the Democratic
ticket. He has served six years on the Noirwich board of educa-
tion. He is a member of the Putnam Phalanx, Masons, Odd
Fellows and other organizations. He was married April 25,
1883, to Jane F. Stoddard, of Ledyard, by whom he has two
children — Mary S. and Billings F. T. Crandall. Mrs. Crandall
died in 1886.

Lt. William Tuttle Cook, son of Rev. N. B. and Mrs. Anna
M. Tuttle Cook, was born at Mystic Bridge (now Mystic), Conn.,
April 26, 1840. Fle received his education in the common and
select schools, attending in later years the Academy taught by
Rev. S. N. Howell, after which he pursued a course of study

192

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

under the tutorage of his grandfather, Rev. Timothy Tuttle.
While engaged as a clerk in the general store o^f Mr. A. H. Sim-
mons, at Old Mystic, the Civil War commenced, and Oct. 8,
1861, he enlisted in Company C, First Connecticut Cavalry, under
Capt. Wm. S. Fish. He was at once made company quarter-
master-sergeant, and his company of cavalry served under Rose-

crans in West Virginia, in
the Potomac, and Shennan-
doah Valleys under Sigel,
during Pope's campaign,
up to and including the
second battle of Bull Run.
Remained for a time in
front of Washington, and
was finally transferred with
his regiment to the com-
mand under Gen. Schenck
£nd located at Baltimore.
While serving here he was
promoted to first sergeant,
then to second lieutenant,
and again to first lieuten-
ant, afterwards acted as
adjutant of the regiment,
and later in command of
his company. March 8, 1864, he, with the regiment, started for
the front, marching through Washington and across Long
Bridge, into Virginia, reaching Stevensburg, ?*Iarch 24th, and
was there placed under the command of Gen. Wilson, who' com-
manded the third division of the cavalry corps .under Gen. Sheri-
dan. May 4th, 1864, crossed Germania Ford .with the advance
of Grant's army, took part in the battles at Craig's Church,
Spottsylvania, in Sheridan's "Richmond Raid," and other battles
which followed, serving until Oct. 25, at which time his three
years having expired, he returned to Connecticut. After re-
maining at home for awhile he went to Saginaw, Mich., and
entered the employ of the First National Bank. He afterwards

L.T. William T. Cook.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I93

became a member of the firm of Derby & Co'., wholesale grocers,
but his health failing he returned to Connecticut. In 1875 he
was elected collector of town taxes in Ledyard and continued
to act in that capacity till 1880. He was a member of the board
of educaltion for. twelve years, and for five years was secretary of
the board and acting school visitor. He represented the town
in the General Assembly in 1879 and 1880. During the first
session was clerk of the coimmittee on roads and bridges, and
during the second session was clerk of the committee on educa-
tion. Was assistant adjutant-general of the Department of Con-
necticut, G. A. R., for the year 1880, and was secretary of the
New London County Agricultural Society from 1886 to- 1890,
inclusive. He was elected a trustee of the Bill Library in 1880,
to succeed his father, and was chosen secretary of the organiza-
tion in 1887, remaining as such until chosen president in 1894.
The latter position he resigned in 1897 by reason of failing health.
He was secretary of the Ledyard Cemetery Association for four
years and has been secretary of the Connecticut Cavalry Asso-
ciation from 1884 to date. [W. T. C]

Hon. Silas Deane was born in North Groton (Ledyard) on
the place, formerly known as the Chas. Allyn farm, now owned,
and occupied by Mr. Amandar W. Gray. His residence in later
years, was in Wethersfield, Conn. He was graduated, at Yale
College in 1758, and early entered the political arena. He held
important offices in the towns in which he resided — in the com-
monwealth of Connecticut, and in the Continental Government.
The Legislature of Connecticut appointed him and Col. Dyer
as its representatives in the first Colonial Congress which met in
1774. In 1776 he was sent by the Government to France as a
political and commercial agent to secure, if possible, co-operation
and assistance in the struggle with Great Britain into which the
Colonies had just entered. Mr. Deane arrived in Paris in June
of that year ; and later in the same year. Dr. Franklin and Arthur
Lee were sent out to join him ; and the three were empowered to
act as ministers in negotiating treaties with foreign powers.
Though Mr. Deane assisted in making the desired arrangement

13

194 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

with the French sovereign, and inducing the Marquis De La-
fayette, Baron De Kalb and others to come to America, and ren-
der important assistance in our struggle for liberty, yet his pro-
ceedings were characterized by such lavish expenditures and
such a profusion of promises, both of office and of money to the
young men whom he wished to induce to enlist in our cause,
that the Colonial Government felt constrained to recall him.
When called to account for his conduct he failed to give an ac-
count that was satisfactory. A long controversy ensued, and
from that day to this there has been a difference of opinion in
regard tO' the character and conduct of Mr. Deane; some claim-
ing that "he had but very little to recommend him to the high
position in which he was placed" (Blake's Biographical Dic-
tionary) ; others, that he "was fully vindicated from all the as-
persions of his enemies," and that "his services to the cause of his
country can scarcely be over estimated" (New London County
History, page 766). He died at Deal, in England, in 1789. A
fair conclusion is that his love of liberty for his country and his
zeal in her cause, was such as to hold out inducements and en-
large on the opportunities in this new land. Lafayette came, the
navy of France came, soldiers came, and but for them and O'thers
from Europe, our cause had been loist. The people of America
now know that he could not well have overdrawn the interests of
this new- world.

Nathan Daboll, son of Nathan Daboll, was born at Centre
Groton, April 24, 1750. He early developed a fondness for
mathematical and scientific studies. At that day it was very diffi-
cult for a young man, with tastes like his, to procure such books
as he needed. But doing the best he could in this matter, and
prosecuting his studies without the aid of a teacher, he prepared
himself for a most successful career as teacher and publisher in
after life. Through a long series of years he taught in his native
place, giving prominence in his instruction to navigation, and
thus fitting young men to be practical navigators. From 1783
to 1788 he was the mathematical instructoir in Plainfield Acade-
my, a famous institution of learning at that time. "In 181 1, upon

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I95

the invitation of Commodore Rogers, he taught a large class in
the cabin of the frigate President," then lying in New London
harbor. He began his career as a publisher soon after attaining
to his majority. A series of Almanacks, prepared by Mr. Qark
Elliott, of New London, and published by Timothy Green, was
commenced in 1766. A serious eiTor in the issue for 1770 ren-
dered it unpopular, and by and by opened the way for "the Con-
necticut Almanack" for 1773, by Nathan Daboll. This work has
made its annual appearance from that time to the present, being
prepared successively by Nathan Daboll, Sen., Nathan Daboll,
Jr., and David A. Daboll, w'ho is now upon the. stage.

In 1799, with the warm approval of Noah Webster, Prof.
Meigs of Yale, Prof. Messer of Brown University, and other
noted scholars, the first edition of "Daboll's Complete School-
master's Assistant" was given to the world. During the period
of its preparation, and for some years thereafter, Mr. Daboll re-
sided in North Groton (Ledyard) in a house whose foundations
are still visible near the entrance to the pent-way that leads to
the house of H. R. No'rman. In this house his son, Nathan, who
succeeded him as almanac-maker and teacher of mathematics
and navigation, was born in 1780.

Nathan Daboll, Sen., died in 1818. On the nth of March in
that year he was buried in a rviral cemetery about one mile to the
north-west of the village of Centre Groton.

Capt. Jacob Gallup was born in North Groton, April 24,
1787. He was a carpenter and farmer and prosecuted his callings
with great energy and success. He was a Democrat in politics,
and as such represented the town of Ledyard in the State Legis-
lature in the years 1844 and 1848. He was married May 24, 1812,
to P'arthenia Morgan, who was born Sept. 4, 1794. Their chil-
dren were

A daughter born Feb. 3, 1814, died Feb. 19, 1814.

Prudence, born Sept. 27, 1815, married Aug. 4, 1836, John
W. Bill, of Lyme.

Jacob Lorenzo, born Nov. 27, 1818.

Francina, born April 20, 1821, married Oct. 19, 1841, Dudley
Davis, of Stonington.

196

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Calvin, died July 20, 1821, aged one month.

Horace, died May 27, 1828, aged eight months.
Mrs. Parthenia (Morgan) Gallup died in 1828. Capt. Gallup
married as a second wife, Mrs. Sarah (Bill) Williams. She bore
him one child, viz. : Sarah Ann, born Sept., 1835, died May,
1864.

Capt. Gallup died Nov. 11, 1852. His widow, Mrs. Sarah
Bill Gallup, died Feb. 24, 1878. Capt Gallup was one of the
foremost men in his time. He was a staunch Democrat in his
day, and few men were more active in all the o>ffices of life than he.

Maj. Jacob Lorenzo Gallup was born in North Groton,
Nov. 27, 1818. He was the third child and oldest son of Jacob
and Parthenia (Morgan) Gallup. When a )'Oung man he made

one voyage to the Pacific
on a whaling vessel. He
succeeded his father in the
occupancy of the home-
stead as a carpenter and
■ farmer.. He became special-
ly interested in religious
things in the great revival
which occurred in Ledyard
early in the ministry of
Rev. Qiarles Cutting.
From this time on he was
an active member of the
Congregational Church, al-
ways "ready to every good
work."

As a deacon in the
church and a teacher in the
Sunday-schooil he did much
to promote the interests of religion in the community. As a
citizen, a neighbor, a friend, he was much esteemed and beloved.
In the year 1856 and again in 1866, he represented the town in
the State Legislature. He was married April 14, 1841, to Eliza-

Maj. Jacob L. Gallup.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

197

beth Spicer who was born Feb. 21, 1815. Their children were

Fannie Elizabeth, born Sept. 21, 1842, died May 2, 1864.

An infant, died Aug. 17, 1848.

Mrs. Elizabeth (Spicer) Gallup died June 28, 1854.

Maj. Gallup married Sept. 9, 1857, Anna Gallup, who' was
born July 13, 1835. Their children were

Jacob, born Jan. i, 1859.

Agnes, born Sept. 29, 1866, married James I. Hewitt, Oct.
ID, 1888.

Maj. Gallup died Dec. 11, 1877.

Isaac Gallup was born in Ledyard (then North Groton)
Jan. 21, 1789, and was the second child and eldest son of Capt.
Isaac Gallup and his wife Anna, daughter of Lieut. Nehemiah
Smith, a direct descendant of Rev. Nehemiah Smith.

From the earliest settle-
ment of New England the
Gallup family have been
distinguished for patriot-
ism, enterprise and promi-
nence in civil and military
affairs. The founder of the
family in America was
Capt. John Gallup, who
came to New Engbnd in
1630. Isaac Gallup, the
subject of this sketch,
had the advantage of be-
ginning life in a good
home and springing from
a strong, brave and capa-
ble ancestry. He p o s -
sessed a robust consti-
tution, a keen and active
mind and a resolute spirit. The Connecticut farm at that
period afforded excellent opportunities for the training of boys
and girls in industry, economy and other hardy virtues. The

Isaac Gallup, Esq.

198 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

eldest son, Isaac, seems to have been a natural leader, and an
example to his seven younger brothers in the energy, earnest-
ness and faithfulness with which he accomplished his tasks.
Though his advantages were limited, he early acquired the rudi-
ments of a sound, practical education, was accurate and thorough
in scholarship and, at an early age, showed tastes for solid, sub-
stantial reading. He always had an aptitude for acquiring prac-
tical knowledge and learned so well how to use his mental powers
that he was able to meet the requirement of the varied pursuits
of a long and busy life. Being of an energetic temperament, his
mind readily turned to active pursuits, and in his youth he served
an apprenticeship in the trade of a carpenter, with Col. Joseph
Smith, one of the leading contractors and business men of Ston-
ington. He seems, also, to have cultivated a taste for good
architecture and that absolute thoroughness of construction, so
characteristic of his own work all through life. While still a
young man, Mr. Gallup went into the business of building, on
his own acconnt, employing apprentices and taking such con-
tracts as he coiuld secure. At the age of 23, he was married to
Prudence, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Stanton) Geer, a young
woman fully as energetic, ambitious and capable as himself, who
proved herself a faithful wife and true helpmeet during all the
years of their married life. The young couple began house-
keeping in a small but comfortable home near the Bill home-
stead. About that old house (not now standing) some interest-
ing traditions cluster.

Nearly a hundred years before it became the home of the
Gallup family, it was occupied by Samuel Seabury, a Congrega-
tional'licentiate of North Groton, and there, in 1729, was bom
his son, Samuel Seabury, who became the first Bishop of the
Episcopal Church in America. Some years later it was the home
of the clergyman who ministered to the Episcopal body who wor-
shipped on the neighboring Church Hill, and has been styled
the first rectory in America. Later on the Seabury parsonage
and land was purchased by Gurdon Bill, and foirmed a part of his

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. I99

realty, and all is now known as the Bill parsonage property, be-
longing to the Congregational Society of the town.

During the first year of their married life, the bombardment of
Stonington occurred, and Mr. Gallup did duty as a soldier during
the War of 1812. The death of his father, two years later, con-
siderably increased his responsibilities. He assisted his mother
in the management of her business affairs, and helped his younger
brothers to acquire useful callings in life. During all these years,
he carried on business, taking such contracts as he could secure,
the busy wife, meanwhile plying the loom, managing the house
and caring for the increasing family of children. In this house
were born the four daughters, and the only son. For sixteen
years it continued to be their home; but .in the spring of 1828
Mr. Gallup felt it advisable to remove his family to Norwich
Falls, much of his work being in that vicinity. They remained
there one year, and the following spring saw them located in
Greeneville, then a mere hamlet, but soon to be the scene of
great and varied activity. The year 1829 witnessed the begin-
ning of a great enterprise. The skill of the inventor, as applied
to the production of textile gooids, was already opening up great
possibilities. The keen visioin of such capable and far-sighted
men as Wm. C. Gilman and Wm. P. Greene, clearly saw that the
swift flowing river above Norwich would furnish sufficient power,
if rightly applied, to turn the wheels of great factories, and put
in motion the thousands of spindles, soon to supersede the slow
and tedious handloom. To make that power available it was
necessary to construct the Greeneville dam. It was a great, a
stupendous work, and its completion was counted a great triumph
of engineering skill. The importance of that work can scarcely
be over estimated; for the opening of that fine water privilege
paved the way for those great and important industries which
shaped the future of Noirwich and laid the solid foundations of
her prosperity. The Greeneville of that time though in its
infancy, was a place of great activity, and there Mr. Gallup found
full scope for his business talents and executive ability. He

200 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

superintended the work of the large force of carpenters employed
in the construction of the dam, he also built temporary quarters,
and with the aid of his efficient and practical wife and such help
as they could secure, cared for the small army of mechanics and
laborers there employed. At the end of a year, the work being
virtually completed, Mr. Gallup purchased a farm in Preston
adjoining the Geer homestead, the birthplace of his wife. His
connection with Greeneville continued for sometime later, al-
though his family remoYed to Preston in 1830, and he held, for
a number of years the position of agent of the Norwich Water
Power Company. Mr. Gallup took a great interest in improving
his farm in Preston, and, in building the large, comfortable and
well-appointed house which he felt would be a fitting and per-
manent home for his family. That house, now standing and still
in the name and family, has a beautiful and healthful situation,
and with its well-tilled fields, large orchards and substantial
buildings, is a good specimen of the Connecticut country home.

P'or many years after his removal to Preston, Mr. Gallup
carried on business as a builder, handling many important con-
tracts. Though often absent from home, he skillfully directed
the labor of his farm, on which he was constantly making im-
provements. In addition to other business, he was much occu-
pied in surveying. He probably acquired some knowledge of
this pursuit from his father who followed it to some extent. He
perfected himself, however, by diligent study and the instruction
he received from the late Asahel Robbins, then the leading sur-
veyor of Norwich. In his connection with town affairs and in
the settlement of estates, Mr. Gallup's proficiency as a surveyor
was of great value. His work was alwa}'s marked by the thor-
oughness, accuracy and nice regard for details, which were char-
acteristic of the man. Boundary lines laid down by him were
seldom, if ever, disputed.

Possessing a strong mind, a positive character and a sound
judgment. Squire Gallup, as he was generally called, was held in
the highest regard by his friends and townspeople who often

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 20I

sought his advice and always valued his counsel. With his fine
administrative ability, his wide experience and perfect integrity,
he was singularly well qualified for the adjustment of business
affairs and the settlement of estates and his services were in
demand in his own and neighboring towns. For many years he
transacted business for the Treat and Doane families of Preston,
whose afifairs he managed to their entire satisfaction. Although
able to adjust the most complicated and difficult business, he
never betrayed a trust or missed an opportunity. Mr. Gallup
was a man of strong convictions and took an active part in the
early movement for temperance reform, uttering a resolute pro-
test against the habit of treating and the drinking customs of
society, and aiding many of his friends and neighbors to shake
off the bondage of alcohol. In his mature manhood, Mr. Gallup
united with the Congregational Church of Ledyard, of which he
was a strong supporter all through life. His pastor and life-
long friend, Rev. .Timothy Tuttle, found him a ready helper and
counted him his strong right hand in every gooid work. He ex-
erted an excellent influence on the young men who' served him
as apprentices. Though a kind master, he was an earnest ad-
vocate of good morals, correct habits and honest work. Being
himself of a broad, progressive spirit, he always welcomed signs
of enterprise and ambition in the yoimg men of his town whom
he often aided in making a start in life, by friendly encourage-
ment and practical assistance. Mr. Gallup was devoted tO' his
home and happy in the relations of do^mestic life. He was also
a truly public-spirited citizen, a friend and promoter of good
schools, sound government and public improvements. He re-
tained his mental vigor to the close of his long, useful and
honored life, from which he departed May 2, 1867.

Isaac Gallup was the worthy head of a good family, and a
tower of strength in his day and generation.

The children of the family were

Mary Ann, born Dec. 10, 1812, married Elias B. Avery.

Prudence Almira, born March 4, 1815, married Jas. L. Geer.

Emeline, born Feb. 27, 1818, married Orlando Smith.

Isaac, born Nov. 13, 1820, married Maria T. Davis.

Julia, born April 4, 1823, married Jacob A. Geer. [J. E. S.]

202

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Isaac Gallup, Jr., born Nov. 13, 1820, married Maria T.

Davis, and lived with his father at the homestead far the moist

part till his father's death,
when he succeeded to the
estate and has since spent
his life on the farm near
Poquetanuck. His eldest
son, Hon. Henry H.
Gdlup, was educated
in the public schools. He
early entered business in
Norwich in the leather
belting and kindred sup-
plies and has won great
success in his business, and
been conspicuous for many
years among the best citi-
zens of that city. Lately
he has been honored by
the Republican party of his
State by an election as

State treasurer. He is a director in several of the banks of

Norwich, president of The Bulletin Co., and prominent in

church affairs.

Hon. Henry H. Gallup.

Dea. Erastus Gallup was bom in Ledyard (North Groton),
July 31, 1800, and died at Groton, July 7, 1882, aged 82. He was
the son of Isaac Gallup and grandson of Col. Benadam Gallup, a
soldier of the French and Indian Wars. He was one of the young-
est of a family of ten children:, eight of whom were sons — one of
those sturdy New England families such as have made its religious
and political history and have created its thrift. He received the
advantages of the public schools. He was also well grounded
in the Scriptures, and to the end of life could recite with ease
whole passages of the sacred writings. In his sixteenth year he
was put to the carpenter's trade to his older brother Isaac, but

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

203

he soon acquired all that was then practiced of the art, and set
up in business by himself. He became a master builder and
took contracts. He had learned carpentry by what was known

as the scribe rule but soon
threw it away for the
square rule, which is now
altogether practiced b y
skilled mechanics. H i s
workmanship Was so thor-
ough and his terms so fa-
vorable that he was sought
foT as a builder far and
near, to construct dwell-
ings, factories, churches
and school-houses. As the
contracts increased he took
apprentices, brO'Ught them
up in his family, accus-
tomed them to go to
church, and in that way
became a moral and relig-
ious instructor as well.
And it is a fact to be noted that very many of the young men
who learned the carpenter's art of Dea. Gallup became devout
men. Probably very few teachers have lived to see so many
of those under their tuition become members of churches. Two
of the deacons of the church, of which the departed died a mem-
ber were apprentices to him. He frequently had six or .eight
young men in his family at one time. In 1834 he was chosen
a deacon oi the church in Ledyard of which Rev. Timothy Tuttle
was pastor. He had joined the church when a boy. Of this
church he remained a member for fifty-nine years, when he re-
moved his connection to the Comgregatioinal Churc'h at Groton,
where he resided, being then too old and infirm to attend service
at the former. He was Father Tuttle's beloved and trusted
deacon, ever ready with counsel and encouragement. About the
same time that he was elected a deacon of the church at Ledyard

Dea. Erastus Gallup.

204

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

he was also elected captain cA the First Flank Company of the
Eighth Connecticut Regiment, and he was ever after styled
Captain and Deacon interchangeably. He married for his first
wife a daughter of Seth Williams. She having died, about 1840
he married again, Miss Frances Shefifield, sister of Dr. W. W.
Shefifield, of New London. About this time, 1843, he removed
from Ledyard to Groton Bank, where he afterward resided except
for a short period at Norwich and again at Ledyard. He con-
tinued active through his whole life, and New London County
is dotted all over with substantial structures built by him, many
of them temples to the God he worshipped, crowning the hilltops
with their white spires pointing heavenward, whither he has
gone. "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last
end be like His."

Russell Gallup, son of Capt. Isaac and Anna (Smith)
Gallup, was born in North Groton (Ledyard), April 11, 1791,

and married Hannali
Morgan, daughter of Shap-
ley and Hannah (Allyn)
Morgan, March 28, 1816..
and they had children, viz. :
Edwin R., born Jan. 22,

1817. Rufus M., Sept. 24,

1818. Sarah, Sept 10,

L>'''pj^^fl|HHHH|^^ 1821. James A., Nov. 15,

-— -M^^^^BSnHfflfe 1823. Nelson, Jan. 8, 1827.

Erastus, Sept. 24, 1828.
Ellen, Dec. 18, 1830,
Francis E., Aug. 15, 1833,
and Joseph Albert, July 2,
1835, three of whom are
living — Nelson, in Nor-
wich, Conn.; Francis E.,
in Groton, Conn., and
Joseph Albert, at the old
Gallup homestead in Ledyard, Conn. Russell Gallup was a

DBA. Russell, Gallup.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

205

farmer by occupation and bought the land and buih the house
in which he lived till his death, which is now owned by his grand-
son, Russell Gallup. He was a deacon of the Congregational
Church for more than fifty years, which Oififice he held till his
death. 'He was in the military service in the War of 1812. He
was an honest, upright man, of sterling integrity, always ready
as far as he was able to help those in need of assistance. or counsel.
He died at his home in Ledyard, Feb. 16, 1869. Hannah (Mor-
gan) Gallup died April 26, 1868.

Avery Gallup, fourth son of Capt. Isaac and Anna (Smith)
Gallup, was born in North Groton (Ledyard), April 6, 1796,
and married, first, Melinda Bailey, Nov. 21, 1822. Their
children were William A., born Jan. 2, 1826. Elizabeth, Oct.
8, 1828. His wife dying in 1828, he married, second, Mary
Haley, March 13, 1834, and their children were Anna, born 1835 ;
Simeon, 1837; Lucy, 1840; Mary, 1843; Emily, 1846; Edward,
1850; of whom Wm. A., Anna, Simeon and Lucy are now living.
He learned the trade of blacksmith and worked at it for a num-
ber of years ; afterwards
purchased the home farm,
and devoted the remainder
O'f his life tO' farming. He
was chosen deacon of the
Baptist Church in Old
Mystic in 1842, and held
the office till his death,
Nov. 4, 1864, which oc-
curred very suddenly. His
widow, Mary Haley Gal-
lup, died Dec. 8, 1891.
[W. A. G.]

Rev. James A. Gallup,

third son of Dea. Russell

and Hannah (Morgan)

Rev. James A. Gallup. Gallup, was bom in Led-

206

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

yard, then part o-f Groton, Nov. 15, 1823. He was graduated at
Yale College in 1851, and Yale Divinity School in 1854. 'He
was ordained and installed as the first pastor of a new Congre-
gational Church in Essex, Conn., May 17, 1854. After a very
successful ministry there he accepted a call to a larger field in
Madison, Conn. He was dismissed from Essex, Oct. 4, 1865, and
installed in Madison, November 2, and continued there with
great acceptance until his retirement on account of advancing
years and declining health in November, 1893. His connection
with the church as pastor emeritus was terminated by his death,
in Madison, on Jan. 30, 1898, after a distressing illness of several
weeks, in his 75th year. He married, on June 21, 1854, Emily
T., daughter of Ezra S. Hubbard, of New Haven, who died on
May 3, 1870. He next married, on Nov. 28, 1876, Charlotte R.,
daughter of Rev. Samuel R. Andrew, of New Haven, who- sur-
vives him. He had no children. [Yale Obit. Record for 1898.]

DBA. N. Sands Gallup.

Peter A. Gallup was
born Jan. 16, 1776, and
died April 9, 1851. My
mother, Rebecca T. Mor-
gan, born Aug. 19, 1793,
died Jan. 15, 1886. They
were born in Groton and
were married April 9, 1820.
There children were

Eliza, born Dec. 16,
1820, died May 22, 1869.

James M., bo^m October
28, 1822, died August 27,
1841.

Annis F., bom July 9,
1824, died July 7, 1865.

Nathan Sands, b O' r n
Sept. 13, 1829.

Julia A., born Oct. 2, 1832.

Ray D., born Aug. 29, 1834, died April 21, 1854.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 20/

Mary Ellen, born Nov. 5, 1837.

N. S. Gallup, married Julia A. Gallup, daughter of B. F.
Gallup, May 6th, 1858. Their children were
Josiah Wesley Gallup, born March 10, 1859.
Ellen Gallup, born April 23, 1862.
Amos Morgan Gallup, born Oct. 20, 1864.
Cora B. Gallup, born June 11, 1866. [N. S. G.]

Amos Geer, Esq., son of Robert Geer, Jr., and Abigail
(Greenman) Geer, was born April 14, 1736, in North Groton, on
the place now occupied by his gre'at-grandson, Dea. Isaac Gallup
Geer. He was graduated at Yale College in the class of i7S7-
He was a superior penman ; and many old documents, in his
elegant hand, are still preserved — ^among them the records of
Groton for the years 1797 and 1804. He served the town 34
years as justice of the peace, from 1781 to 1815, and during that
period perfoirmed the marriage ceremony for more than one hun-
dred couples, as it was customary in those days to call upon a
civil magistrate rather than a clergyman for that service. He
was appointed by the tO'wn one of the committee of correspond-
ence, June 20, 1774, in the cause of liberty, after the British had
ordered the port of Boston closed. . He represented the town of
Groton in the State Legislature in the year 1780 — two* terms —
and again in 1790. He died May 19, 1821, aged 85. He had ten
children. His son, Amos Geer, Jr., succeeded him on the same
farm. Amos Geer, Jr. (1772-1865), was succeeded by his son,
Jacob A. Geer (1817-1857), and he by his son, the present oc-
cupant. Dea. I. G. Geer has, within a few years, added tO' his
landed possessions by purchasing the adjoining farm on the east,
known as the Seabury Thomas farm, which includes the ledge
known as Winthrop's ledge, as it was granted, to Gov. John
Winthrop, May 6, 1656, and described as "the stone quarry,
south-east of Poquetanuck river, near the foot-path from Mo-
hegan to Mistick." — Miss Caulkins. [E. G]

David Geer was born in the town of Groton (now Ledyard),
in the year 1755. He was the son of Ebenezer and Pru-

2o8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

dence (Wheeler) Geer, and was a descendant of George Geer, the
first of the Geer family in America. David was of the third
generation born in this country. When he was born, Connecti-
cut was a British Colony, and subject to British law. Under that
law the eldest son had a double portion, David being the young-
est son received a small inheritance of land, to which he added
by purchase, and in 1785 he built the house now occupied by
Isaac W. Geer. By trade he was a tanner, and shoemaker,
trades that then went together. He carried on farming in con-
nection with his trade, and acquired a good estate for the times
in which he lived. His wife was Mary Stanton, of Stonington,
by whom he had ten children. One child died in infancy. Three
of the sons settled in this county. David, the eldest, settled in
Lebanon. From him the Geers of that town are descended.
Joseph and Isaac settled in their native place. Three sons, Will-
iam, Robert and Charles, settled in Central New York, which
then was a frontier settlement. The daughters were married to
men who resided in this county. The subject of this sketch
died 1835. ' [I. W. G.]

Col. Isaac W. Geer, the sixth son of David and Mary
(Stanton) Geer, was born in the year 1801, and came to the in-
heritance of the homestead. He lived here and carried on farm-
ing during his life. In early life he served in the militia where
he rose to the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He had more ambi-
tion to succeed in personal business affairs than for public hfe,
but was honored by several town and society offices. He was
passionately fond of music. For 25 years he was chorister in
St. James' Church in Poquetanuck. He was one of the old-
fashioned singing masters. He taught singing at Meeting-house
Hill in Ledyard, at Preston Plains, and Poquetanuck. He was
frequently called upon at funerals to conduct the music. He
was twice married — first, to Asenath Williams, of Groton, by
whom he had one daughter. Later he was married to Experi-
ence Avery, of Preston, by Whom he had two sons and two
daughters. He died 1855.

The children by last wife were Isaac, David, Delia and Louise.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

209

The eldest son lives on the old homestead in Ledyard and near
Poquetanuck. The next two are deceased, and the youngest
married Capt Brown and they live a mile south oi the "ferry" in
Groton, Conn. [I. W. G.]

Capt. Nathaniel Bellows Geer, the second son of James
and Sally (Lewis) Geer, was born at Geer homestead, North Gro-
ton (now Ledyard), Jan. 31,
1810. He is a descendant, in
a direct line, in the sixth gen-
eration, of George Geer, who
came from England to this
country in 1635, settling at
the place now known as Geer
homestead in 1653, which has
ever since been continuously
in possession of his descend-
ants. 'In early life he gave
his attention tO' farming, af-
terward engaging in teaching
in the public schools of Led-
yard and adjoining towns.
He was also^ a surveyor. In
1832, he was appointed to the captaincy of the fifth company of
the Eighth Regiment of Infantry in the State, and always re-
tained the title. In politics, he was a Republican, holding the
ofiSces of constable, assessor, tything-man, justice of the peace,
and treasurer of the town deposit fund. lAs judge of probate
he served several successive terms, and on reaching the age of
compulsory retirement from that office, was continued in charge
as clerk of the court. He was one of the original trustees of the
Bill Library Association, and a president of the Poquetanuck
Cemetery Association.

In early life he became a member of St. James' Church,
Poquetanuck, and in the various capacities of Sunday-school
teacher, member of the choir, player of the bass-viol, vestryman,
collector, delegate to the convention, parish clerk for sixty years,

14

Capt. Nathaniel Bellows Geer.

210 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARO.

and warden for twenty-six years ; until the time of his death, he
steadfastly wrought in the cause of Christ and His Church.

Nov. 19, 1837, he married Julia, eldest child of Thomas
and Mary (Shaw) Davis, of Preston, Conn., whom he survived
two years. Soon after his marriage, he purchased the farm ad-
joining Geer homestead, on the south. Here he lived fifty years,
returning to the ancestral home in 1887, where he spent eleven
years, being called to the life eternal, Aug. 18, 1898. He left
two sons and three daughters — Thomas Henry Geer, of Cleve-
land, Ohio; Albert Davis Geer, of Binghamton, N. Y. ; Misses
Juliette and Mary A. Geer, of Ledyard, and Mrs. John D. Brew-
ster, of Norwich, Conn. Also fo-ur grand-children — Mrs. Edwin
L. Thurston, of Cleveland, Ohio-; Harold M. Geer, of Bingham-
ton, N. Y. ; and Clara Louise and Arthur Morgan Brewster, of
Norwich, Conn. The immediate family relations of Mr. Geer,
who survived him, were his brother, James L. Geer, of Norwich,
Conn., and his sister. Miss Abby Geer, also of Norwich.

The spirit of his life work is portrayed in tributes to his
memory, here briefly quoted.

From the Trustees of the Bill Library Association : "A val-
uable citizen ; an exemplary Christian gentleman."

From The Poquetanuck Cemetery Association : "He pos-
sessed the respect and friendship of all who were associated with
him in life."

From The New York Chiirchiuau: "Capt. Geer, as he was
affectionately styled for the half century following his meritorio-us
service in the organization of the militia of his native State, was
a man of mark, one of those whom a community easily counts
among the pillars of Church and State. He combined, with the
sweet humility of a disciple of the Christ, the power which quali-
fies a guide and leader of men. His silent example was a living
force. Such men as he, combining high ability with the modesty
which never seeks official promotion, are they who have been and
continue to be the 'makers' of this nation. And such men as he,
as humble-minded as they are brave and true-hearted, are they
whose light of Christian living, shining in a naughty world, gives
truest glory to Almighty God." [J. G.l

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 211

Dea. John Hurleut was the son of John, who was the son
of Stephen, who was a descendant, in the third generation, of
Thomas Hurlbut, the first of the name in this region who^ came
to Saybrool< in 1635. Stephen Hurlbut, the grandfather of Dea.
John, settled in New London soon after 1690. John, his father,
settled at Gale's Ferry, and died there May 5, 1761. 'The subject
of this sketch was born at GaJe's Ferry, March 13, 1730. About
1757 he was married to Abigail, daughter of Dea. John Avery,
of Preston, by whom he had eight children — four sons and four
daughters. After their marriage they lived for several years in
the north-east part of North Groton (Ledyard), on what has been
known as the Phineas Holdridge place. "In the movements
which immediately preceded the Revolution, Mr. Hurlbut was
associated with Col. Ledyard, Robert Allyn and Phineas Bill,
and others in town as a committee of coirrespondence. As early
as 1773 he visited the Susquehanna Valley, having bought a right
in the Connecticut Susquehanna Company. Selling his farm in
Groton in the summer of iT/T, he, in the spring of 1778, with his
wife and children, with two wagons, horses, cattle, sheep and
swine, left his home in New England for the Connecticut colony
on the Susquehanna. Detained on the way by sickness they
reached their destinatron in November, 1779. Dea. Hurlbut was
a member of the General Assembly of Connecticut for three
years."

While living in Pennsylvania, the family occasionally visited
their friends in Connecticut, and generally made the journey on
horse-back. In one instance Mrs. H., hearing that her father
was very sick, and fearing that it might be his last sickness,
started promptly for the home of her childhood by the usual
mode of travel, with a baby in her arms, and one of her little
boys, some ten years old, on a pillion behind her. As she ap-
proached the Honsatonic river late in the afternoon, she halted
at a country tavern, where she had been accustomed to stop on
previous trips, with the expectation of spending the night there.
To her great disappointment she was told that the house was
occupied with a great crowd of people, gathered for a social en-
tertainment, and that they could not accommodate her. She

212 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

was told, however, that she could find a good stopping-place a
few miles further on, just over the river. So she pushed on. As
she came to the place where she supposed the bridge ought to
be it was so dark that she could see nothing distinctly, but could
hear the water rushing by with great violence, the result of a
recent storm. Presently, her horse came to a full stop. She
urged it to go forward, and it did so, though with slow and
measured step. Pretty soon she came to the tavern to^ which she
had been directed, and, upon inquiring if they could keep her
over night, was glad to receive an affirmative answer. "But,"
said the keeper of the tavern, "How did you get over the river?"
"Why," she replied, "I rode over on the bridge, I suppose."
"But," said he, "the bridge was swept away with the flood a few
hours ago." Here the matter rested for the night. And in the
morning it was found upon examination that the faithful horse,
with his precious burden, had walked over the boiling flood on
one of the stringers of the bridge which the swollen river had not
displaced. Dea. Hurlbut died March lo, 1782, aged 52. Mrs.
Hurlbut lived on into the following century, dying March 29,
1805, at the age of 70. She is said to have been a woman of great
personal worth, and withal a very devoted Christian. "There is
evidence, too, that her patriotism was no less than that of her
husband, for it is told that she first proposed to send their two
oldest sons — one aged 19 and the other 16 — to aid in their coun-
try's necessities."

Rev. Ralph Hurlbutt was born May 19, 1767. On Jan.
10, 1790, he married Mary Jones, daughter of John and Sarah
Jones. She was bom Dec. 2, 1765, and died Dec. 20, 1851,
aged 86 years. Rev. Mr. Hurlbutt was descended in a direct
line from Lieut. Tliomas Hurlbutt, who was appointed to the
command of the fort at Saybrook, Conn., 1636, and afterwards
settled in Wethersfield. Stephen Hurlbutt, great-grandfather
of Ralph, settled in New London, Conn., between 1680 and 1690.
His grandfather, John Hurlbutt, grew up and settled in North
Groton (Ledyard). His father, Rufus Hurlbutt, was killed in
Fort Griswold, Sept. 6, 1781, aged 40 years. The subject of this

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 213

sketch early embraced the Methodist faith and became a minister.
It was largely through his instrtimentality that the Methodist
Church at Gale's Ferry was established. He supplied the pulpit
of this church withO'Ut compensation during a large part of his
active life. He preached almost to the last days of his life, his
last sermon while sitting in a chair, being unable to stand. He
was thoronghly devoted to the interests of his church, and al-
ways ready to make any personal sacrifice for the good of the
cause. He was a justice. of the peace for many years, holding
the office till disqualified by age. 'He was for a long period
judge of probate. For the varied services performed by him,
whether in behalf of the town or the probate district, he was re-
markably well qualified ; and in each and all of them he proved
himself a faithful and efficient officer. As a minister of the
Gospel he was not liberally educated, and not learned in the
ordinary sense of the word, yet he was a reader and a thinker,
and a very instructive preacher, accustomed to present the truths
of the Bible in such ways that they would be remembered. In
the pulpit he spoke without notes, yet with great freedom and
correctness, and often with a fervid earnestness that was very im-
pressive. He died May 8, 1850, mo-urned by a large circle of
friends, and is still widely and affectionately remembered.

Ralph Hurlbutt, 2nd, nephew of Rev. Ralph Hurlbutt,
was born in Colchester (now Salem), in 1807. From 1810 on-
ward his home was in North Groton (now Ledyard). He repre-
sented the town of Ledyard in the State Legislature in 1854. He
was a trustee of the Bill Library Association from the time of its
organization to the time of his death which occurred June 25,
1886. He was married in 1833 to Margaret Bolles. Of their five
children, Ralph Wilbur died Jan. 10, 1863, aged 23, and Mary
Annie died Dec. i, 1859, aged 17.

Capt. Adam Larrabee, son of Frederic and Abigail (Allyn)
Larrabee, was born in that part of Groton which is now Ledyard,
March 14, 1787. At the age of twenty-one he entered the Mili-
tary Academy at West Point, and remained there till he had com-

214

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

pleted the prescribed course of study. He was then appointed
second lieutenant of light artillery, and a few months later was
promoted and made first lieutenant. "His service at that time

was in garrisons on the At-
lantic coast, though he
also participated in the
campaign along the north-
ern frontier in 1812. His
next service was under
General Wilkinson on the
St. Lawrence, Avhere he was
engaged in the attack on
La Colle Mills, March 30,
1814. In this engagement
he was shot through the
lungs, the bullet lodging
against the shoulder-blade,
whence it was refnoved by
the surgeon. After being
thus wounded he was car-
ried some twenty miles in
an open sleigh to the house
of Chancellor Reuben Hyde Walworth, where he was tenderly
cared for by the family. It was no doubt due largely to this ex-
cellent nursing that his life was saved. He was soon after pro-
moted to a captaincy, but resigned his commission in 1815."
After retiring from the military service his principal occupation
was that of a farmer, first in Groton, vvrhere he resided till 1853,
when he removed tO' Windham, where he spent the remainder of
his life. He was a member of the Connecticut House of Repre-
sentatives in 1822; one of the board of visitors to the Military
Academy in 1828, and one of the presidential electors in 1840.
He was for more than forty years a director of the Thames Na-
tional Bank, Noirwich. In 181 7 he was married to Hannah
Gallup Lester, who bore him nine children, all of whom survived
him, except his son, John, who died in 1852. •' Capt. Larrabee
died at Windham, Oct. 25, 1869, aged 82, His upright char-

Capt. Adam Lahrabee.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

215

acter and exemplary conduct commanded the respect and esteem
of all who knew him. His memoTy is cherished with affection
by a large circle of friends.

Ex-Gov. William Larrabee, of Qermont, Fayette County,
Iowa, son of Adam and Hannah G. (Lester) Larrabee, was born
Jan. 20, 1832, in North Groton, Conn, (now Ledyard), and was

the seventh child and the
fifth son of a family of nine
children, and was raised on
the farm where he was
born, which formerly be-
longed to his Lester ances-
tors. In early childhood
and youth he was slender
in stature, yet his general
health was good; but when
seventeen years of age he
suffered a great misfortune
by losing the sight of his
right eye, which has been
more or less painful, and a
great and a very serious in-
convenience for these
Gov. William Larrabee. many years.

He was educated in the
district school of the town, but he always had access to his
father's library which was well supplied with valuable books.

The last winter that he lived in Ledyard he taught school
in the district where he was raised.

In the fall of 1853 he left Connecticut for Iowa; and soon
after his arrival there he engaged in com hairvesting, which was
about the only labor the country afifoifded at that season of the
year; and a little later he engaged a school for the winter which
was held in a log school-house where, a portion of the time, he
was compelled to wear his overcoat during the day to protect
himself from the extreme cold.

2l6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

The next three succeeding years he was engaged as foreman
on the two-thousand-acre farm belonging to his brother-in-law,
the late Judge Elias H. Williams. This farm was largely
brought under improvement from the raw prairie by breaking
and fencing while under his supervision. While engaged in this
enterprise he used to drive one of the teams of six pairs of oxen
on a breaking plow. At this time the farm was quite remote
from neighbors, but one of the few that he was favored with has
since become speaker of the House of Representatives — Hon.
David B. Henderson.

After leaving Judge Williams' employ he engaged with
partners in flour manufacturing, and labored vigorously, early
and late, with indifferent success.

A little later his partners retired from the business leaving him
sole proprietor of a mill of two hundred barrels capacity per day.
But the results were far more gratifying than formerly. This
enterprise involved quite a large capital, also much care and
labor — at times confining him nineteen hours per day.

In the fall of 1861 he married Anna Appelm.an, the oldest
daughter of the late Capt. Gustavus and Prudence Ann (Will-
iams) Appelman, fo^rmerly from JMystic and Ledyard, Conn.
They have had seven children, three sons and four daughters,
and six are living.

Probably the loss of his eye prevented his entering the army
in the War of the Rebellion, but he contributed freely for the
government in those trying times. He has always been intense-
ly loyal to the government, also to the State of his adoption.

After living in Iowa some twenty years, Mr. Larrabee en-
tered the political arena. The special occasion of his doing it
was this: The people of his county felt that they had been,
without good reason, passed by in the laying out of railroads
through the State. It was to advocate their interests in this
matter that he was elected a member of the State Senate in 1868.
He entered earnestly upon the work entrusted to him, but failed
in his first endeavors. He was re-elected the next term and re-
newed the contest, and persisted till success crowned his efforts.
After serving in the Senate for eighteen consecutive years he

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 2I7

was solicited to run for Governor, and finally consented. In the
nominating convention that year — 1881, — a rival candidate re-
ceived a few more votes than he. Four years later he was the
regular nominee of his party, and was chosen Governor by a
majority of 7,000. Two years later still his re-election to the
same office was by a majority of 16,000.

His first term as Governor was largely given tO' the contest
over prohibition. Tlioiugh he had at an earlier period opposed
prohibition, yet when prohibition became the policy of the State
he felt that it ought to be enforced, and did all that he could to
have it enforced, and with most satisfactoiry results.

During his second term as Governor, the question of the
State supervision of railroads came up. He contended earnestly
for such super\'ision, sometimes single-handed and alone, and
this against all the legal talent and all the money influence which
the railroads could array against him. But, in due time, he
achieved complete and triumphant success. A law, embracing
the principles which he advocated, was passed by the Legisla-
ture without a dissenting vote ; and that law is preserved as if it
were soimething sacred.

He has published a Treatise on railroads which is esteemed
by those specially interested in such miaitters.

In February, 1900, Gov. Liarrabee resigned his office as a
member of the State Board of Control, an office which he had
held about two years.

Pretty soon after, with four members of his family, he started
on a jo'Urney toi Europe, being possessed of ample means for
such luxurious recreation.

The Dc'S Moines Leader, of Feb. 11, 1900, speaking of his
late retirement from office, uses the following language : "It is
not saying more than is warranted to declare that no man in
Iowa to-day possesses so large a share of the public confidence in
his integrity, earnestness of purpose and devotion to public good
as Gov. Larrabee."

Capt. Nathan F. Larr.\bee, oldest son of Caipt. Adam Lar-
rabee, was bom in North Groton, Oct. 11, 1818, "On the day

2l8

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYAED.

he arrived at the age of twenty-one his father, to gratify the boy's
fond ambition, went with him to New York and shipped him 'to
go before the mast,' in the hne of London packets of Grinnell,

Minturn & Co. His first
trip was a severe one, and
his master was surprised,
upon their arrival in New
York, to have the boy ask
for a second voyage, which
was readily granted. He
rapidly rose, on account of
his merit and faithfulness,
to be master of one of the
largest vessels owned by
the firm. He remained in
the employ of this firm
through his entire active
life of forty years ; and
during all those }'ears lost
but one trip." Most of his
voyages ^^'ere between
New York and London.
Several of them, however, were between New York and China.
Capt. Larrabee was a great favorite with the numerous passen-
gers who crossed the ocean in his ships, and, indeed, with all
who came to know him well. His strictly temperate habits and
his thorough devotion to duty won for him a high place in their
estimation. He was never married. When overtaken with what
proved to be his last sickness, he retired to the home of his
brother, Hon. Henry Larrabee, of Windliam, where he was ten-
derly cared for by loving friends till his painful sickness, of sev-
eral weeks' continuance, terminated in his death on Sept. 13,
1879, at the age of 61.

Hon. Henry L.vrrabee, fourth son and sixth child of Capt.
Adam and Hannah G. (Lester) Larrabee, was boim in North
Groton, now Ledyard, April 15, 1830. He was educated in the

Capt. Nathan F. Larrabee.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

219

public schools of his native town, became a farmer, and has con-
tinued in that occupation through life. He held the office of
selectman many years. He was a member of the enrolling com-
mittee during the closing
portion of the Civil War,
in 1865. He has been a
member of the Bill Library
Association from the date
of its organization. He was
a member of the House
of Representatives in the
State Legislature in 1868,
and of the Senate in i875'
Mr. Larrabee moved to
Windham in 1878, and
from that time tO' the pres-
ent has been a resident of
that town, and held office
in it much after the same
fashion that he did in Led-
yard. He warships with
the Congregational
Church, and has often served on the committee of the Ecclesiasti-
cal Society. For many years he has been accustomed tO' settle
estates. Large amounts of property have passed through his
hands, and in the management of these important trusts he has
commanded the confidence of all Who have known him. He has
been a trustee of the Norwich Savings Society for thirty years, a
director for twenty-five years, and a vice-president for ten years ;
also a director of the Windham National Bank some eight or ten
years. Mr. Larrabee has made valuable contributions tO' this
history. He has given much time to the preparation of the lists
of soldiers, and furnished many facts and statistics that have been
wroug'ht into the work.

Mr. Larrabee was married March 17, 1853, to Miss Maria S.
Allyn, daughter of Christopher and Maria Allyn. They have
had ten children — seven sons and three daughters. Only two

Hon. Henry Larrabee.

220 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

sons and one daughter, Mrs. Lucius Brown, of Norwich, are now
living. Mrs. Larrabee died Dec. 20, 1898.

Samuel S. Lamb, son of Daniel W. and Hannah (Culver)
Lamb, was born in Groton, April 21, 1816. He began teaching
at the age of seventeen, and continued at the work over fifty
years. The following sketch of his career, as a teacher, is taken
from the published account of the "Celebration of the Fiftieth
Anniversary" of his teaching :

"The fiftieth anniversary of public school teaching by Samuel
S. Lamb, of Groton, was observed on Thursday, Aug. 16, 1883,
by a basket picnic on his farm. At noon the anniversary exer-
cises commenced according to programme. The large crowd
filled the tent. Capt. J. K. Bucklyn, of the Mystic Valley In-
stitute, presided with tact and efficiency. The music was con-
ducted by Mr. Simeon Gallup, who had a large, well-trained choir
at his command ; they enlivened the day with several choice se-
lections. At the organ was Prof. Griest, of Baltimore, who
opened with a voluntary, followed by a song. Rev. C. H. Rowe,
of Mystic River, read the Scriptures, and Rev. J. A. Gallup, of
Madison, offered prayer. Mr. S. S. Lamb, the veteran, but hale
hero of the day, then came forward to greet his friends, giving an
interesting sketch of his school life:

"At the age of thirteen, in the old red school-house of Led-
yard, he became master of the 'three R"s.' Daboll's Arithmetic,
Woodbridge's Geography, Murray's Grammar, the Testament,
the English Reader and Webster's Spelling Book were the text
books. From thirteen to fifteen, he studied much at home — ■
some of his teachers during that time not being verv efficient.
At seventeen he began to teach in the Ninth Groton or Fishtown
district. One of the examiners who signed his first certificate,
Henry Haley, was present at the gathering. Tlie spring of 1835
found him at Colchester, under the faithful instruction of Charles
P. Otis, A. M., principal of Bacon Academy, and from this soiirce
he derived valuable information in regard to his chosen calling.
Day's Algebra, Playfair's Euclid, and Mr. Otis' Order of Exer-
cises in Grammar, were leading studies, He attended Joseph

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 221

H. Gallup's school at Poquetanuck, and then for two years he
was a student in the Suffield Literary Institution. There he sub-
stantially prepared himself for college, but did not enter for the
lack of means. He rarely taught summers, but worked hard
farming, except in the Mystic River graded school, where he
taught the year round for two years. Mr. Lamb did not men-
tion his teaching in a graded school in New Jersey, nor his
teaching select schools from time to time. Over one thousand
pupils, first and last, have been under his instruction, for which
he received about $7,000, or, on an average, $140 per year; and
he might have added, a sum quite too small for the service ren-
dered. He had never been obliged to ask for a situation, but his
services had always been sought. His experience had been long,
but he said it had not made him sage. He thought teaching
was an honorable calling. It was not always a healthy one, but
if the teacher was conscientioius and faithful, was surely laborious.
He spoke of one school where he had eighty-nine enrolled, and
eighty-five in attendance in a day ; where the recess at noon had
to be shortened, and later hours kept in order to acco^mplish the
object; and that was supplemented by an evening school for
volunteers to receive additional instruction, and every moment
not used in eating and sleeping must be improved for the benefit
of the school. Those days were full of labor, but they were
happy days. He had been on the board of education six years
in Ledyard, and over thirty in Groton. He took pleasure in
acknowledging his indebtedness to Mr. Palmer Gallup, deceased,
long a teacher of youth in Groton, in Suffield Institute and else-
where. His advice to young teachers, or aspirants present, w'ho
wanted the best situations was to deserve them.

"The president of the day then made a short, pithy address.

"He then introduced the orator of the day, Rev. John W.
Richardson, of New London. His subject was : 'Free Schools.'
To say that it was an elegant tribute would be insufficient, for he
was forcible, instructive and full of enthusiasm; seeming tO' be-
lieve with his whole soul his own grand, often startling and
radical propositions. In our judgmient it is unsurpassed in its

222 HISTORY OP' THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

discussion of the pro'gress ol the United States as a nation, and
the causes which underHe that progress and its greatness."

Mr. I-amb was thrice married. First to Miss Eliza Gallup,
March 20, 1842. She bore him three children and died May
22, 1859.

His second marriage was to Miss Parthenia Morgan. The
fruit of this marriage was one child, a daughter.

His third wife was Miss Harriet E. Gallup, to whom he was
married July 23, 1865. She died Jan. 6, 1892.

Mr. Lamb died Jan. 2, 1892.

CoL. William Morgan, son of Christopher and Margaret
(Gates) Morgan, was born March 28, 1809. His education was
limited to what the public schools of his native town were able
to give him. At the age of sixteen, he left school, and served
several years as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade. The
years of his mature manhood were mainly given to carpentry and
farming. A fondness for general reading, made him a well-in-
formed man. He was frequently heard on public occasions ; and
was regarded as an earnest and forceful speaker. In politics he
was originally a Whig ; but upon the formation of the Republican
party he entered its ranks at the begirming, and became one of its
ardent supporters. He was a great admirer of Seward, Sumner,
and Greeley. With the last-named he had a personal acquaint-
ance, which was promoted by frequent correspondence. He was
a prominent actor in all matters pertaining to the general welfare
of the community ; was colonel of militia, selectman, town agent,
justice of the peace, county commissioner, representative in the
State Legislature, and for many }'ears a faithful and efficient
overseer of the Pequot Indians, whose reservation is located in
the north part of the town of Ledyard. Though not a church
member he was an active member and supporter of the ecclesiasti-
cal society connected with the CongTegational Church. Col.
Morgan was married Feb. 22, 1836, to Cynthia Billings, daugh-
ter of Stephen and Martha Billings. They settled in Ledyard,
on the place now (1900) occupied by Dea. Beckwith. Their
children were

BIOCRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

223

Augusta, born July 18, 1837, married Oct. i, i860, Wm. A.
Gallup, died Sept. 28, 1890.

Julia, born Aug. 18, 1839, married June 25, 1861, Chas. Stan-
ton, died Jan. 11, 1896.

William, born Sept. 26, 1844, married Frances E. Niles.

Christopher, born Oct. 11, 1852, married Edith Noyes.

Col. Morgan, died Nov. 3, 1859, aged 50.

His wife died Aug. 10, i860, aged 50.

Stephen Henry Norman, youngest of the seven children of
Thomas and Hannah (Stoddard) Noirman,, was born in Groton
(now Ledyard), Aug. 30, 1825. With the exception of one term

in Bacon Academy, Col-
chester, his education was
acquired in the public
schools of his native place,
He began to teach in his
sixteenth year ; and quite
early in life had established
a goioid reputation as a
teacher. He taught the
school in the Allyn district
one year. He spent one
year as book-keeper in the
dry goods store of A. T.
Stewart, New York. About
i860 he spent a year in the
service of the Harper
Brothers, New York.

In 1865 he was teaching
a public school in New-
port, R. I., when he was unexpectedly requested tO' abandon his
work as a teacher and assume that of a banker. The cashier of
the Aquidneck National Bank of that city had become a de-
faulter. The directors were looking for some one to take his
place, when one of their number, who had become well ac-
quainted with Mr. Norman, and formed meantime a high esti-

Stephen H. Norman, Esq.

224 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

mate of his ability and character, spoke of him a^ just such a
man as they needed in the office now vacant. When the thing
was mentioned to Mr. Norman he at once replied, "I know
nothing about banking." "But," said one of the gentleman con-
ferring with him, "Yoiu can learn." The upshot of the matter
was that he gave up his school, went intO' the bank on a salary
of $900 a year, and began at once to learn the business to which
he was thus introduced. In due time he learned it thoroughly,
and became a very successful cashier.

"From 1873 to his death he was cashier of the National Ex-
change Bank on Washington square. He was the originator
of the Island Savings Bank and one of its incorporators, and
was its treasurer from its start. Careful and methodical in all
his affairs and giving his full and undivided attention tO' busi-
ness, he made the banks yield profitable dividends to the stock-
holders and accumulated a generous competency, estimated at
$150,000, for himself." [F"rom Newport Mercury for Aug. i,
1891.]

He died in Newport, R. I., July 27, 1891. His remains were
interred in the Ledyard cemetery, Conn.

Mr. Norman was never married. One brother and three
sisters, living in Ledyard, survived him.

Hibbard R. Norman, the elder brother, remained with his
sisters on the homestead, where he still resides.

Rev. Samuel Seabury, D. D., was born in the first Episcopal
rectory in America, which formerly stood just westerly of the
present Bill parsonage in Ledyard, Nov. 30, 1729. He was a son
of Rev. Samuel Seabury, who began preaching as a licentiate in
the Congregational denomination, but soon went over to Episco-
pacy, and became at length the first minister of St. James'
Church, New London. Tlie son was graduated at Yale College
in 1748. He was admitted to Orders by the Bishop of London
in 1754. tor some eighteen or twenty years he preached in
different places m the vicinity of New York City. Upon the
breaking out of the Revolutionary War he left his parish and
moved into the city, and for a time served as chaplain in the

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 225

British army, being a Royalist, like most of the Episcopal clergy
in the Northern States. After the restoration of peace he was
chosen by the Episcopal clergy of Connecticut, their first Bishop ;
and immediately went to England, to secure, if possible, conse-
cration, to the office. But the relations between the twO' coun-
tries just at that time were such that the English clergy were
very reluctant to grant his request. 'They felt that they could
not consistently consecrate a bishop for a foreign land, which
the United States had now become, and require him to- take
oaths which no true American could honestly take. The govern-
ment, too, was very cautious aboiUt doing anything which might
incense America. After a good deal of vexatious delay, Mr. Sea-
bury went to Scotland, where he soon secured the end he was
seeking. He was consecrated at Aberdeen, by the bishop of that
place, Nov. 14, 1784. Returning to America he entered at once
upon the duties of his office, and held his first ordination — the
first Episcopal ordination in America — at Middletown, Aug. 3,
1785. Having already been chosen rector of St. James' Church,
New London, he took up his residence in that city, and con-
tinued to live there in the discharge of ministerial duties till the
time of his death, which occurred Feb. 25, 1796. Upon the com-
pletion of the new church edifice, in 1849, his remains were re-
moved from the .public cemetery, where they had lain for over
half a century, and placed beneath the chancel. He was married
early in life to a Miss Hicks, of New York. They had three
sons and two daughters. His biographer, Dr. Hallam, says of
Bishop Seabury, that "in person he was large, robust and vigor-
ous. His appearance was dignified and commanding, and, in the
performance of his official functions, inspired universal reverence.
His mind was forcible and clear. His reading was extensive, and
his memory a store-house of knowledge." He published a large
number of addresses, sermons and essays.

DwiGHT Satterlee, M. D., was the youngest child of Elisha
A. and Hester S. Satterlee and was born near Gale's Ferry,
March 24, 1837, being one of the sixth generation born on the
same spot. His early years were spent on a farm, attending

15

226 ■ HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

district school in winter, and helping his father on the farm in
summer. When about sixteen years of age he attended the
Providence Conference Seminary at East Greenwidh, R. I., and
afterwards a school at Charlottsville, N. Y. He was an as-
sistant teacher at the Bartlett High School in New London for
nearly two years. He studied medicine with Dr. Lord, of New
London, afterwards pursuing his medical studies at the University
of Vermont, and graduating in medicine at the Berkshire Medi-
cal College in the winter of 1862. He was commissioned as-
sistant surgeon of the Eleventh Regiment,. Connecticut Volun-
teers, in February, 1863, and served with that regiment almost
three years, or until it was mustered out of service in Decemlber,
1865. Previously, he was commissioned major oi the regiment.
In 1867 he moved to Iowa, and settled in the new town of Dunlap,
in the western portion of the State. The country at that time
was very sparsely settled, and in practicing his profession he fre-
quently rode distances of twenty and thirty miles, induding four
counties.

In 1870 he was married to Anna E. Hickox, who with her
parents had moved to Iowa, from Rockville, Conn., a year or
two previously. The union has been blessed with four children,
three of whom, two daughters and one son are now living. Be-
sides the practice of medicine. Dr. Satterlee engaged in the drug
business in 1869. He was one of Dunlap's pioneer postmasters,
and, subsequently, after retiring from active professional life,
was for nine years county commissioner. He also owned and
managed a large stock farm, and still holds an interest in bank-
ing and other concerns in Dunlap and elsewhere. Soon after
locating at Dunlap, the doctor united with the Congregationial
Church, in which he has since taken an active interest. His has
been a successful business career, and at present he lives to enjoy
the fruits of his years of toil. [D. S.]

Capt. Edmund Spicer was born in North Groton, Jan. 11,
1812. He was a grandson of Edmund and Abigail (AUyn)
Spicer. His parents were John Spicer, bom Aug. 14, 1770, died
June 2, 1856, and Elizabeth Latham, born July 23, 1775, died

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

227

June 10, 1859. They were married Sept. 7, 1794. Their chil
dren were

Prudence, born May i, 1795, died May 25, 1864.

Abigail, born Aug. 21, 1797, died Dec. 25, 1849.

Isaac, born

died

Sept.
Nov.

19, 1799.
30, 1861.

John S e a b u r y,
born April 30, 1802,
died Sept. — 1829.

Fanny, boTn Aug.

20, 1804, died March
II, 1894.

Gurdon Bill, born
Nov. 14, 1806, died
Sept. 8, 1 816.

Mary Avery, born
March 28, 1809, died
July 9, 1824.

Edmund,

Jan. II, 1812,

May I, 1890.

Elizabeth, born Feb. 25, 1815, died June 28, 1854.

Cynthia, born Sept. 5, 1817, died Feb. 28, 1818.

Edmund Spicer was educated in the public schools of his

native place, and in his early manhood was a successful teacher

in these schools for quite a number of terms. Later in life he

was for many years a member of the school board. His regular

vocation was that of a farmer, and with it he at length co>mbined

that of a merchant. He was postmaster from 1867 to the time of

his death. He became captain of the rifle coimpany to which he

belonged, and the title adhered to him through the remainder

of his life. Among the offices which he held, by appointment

of the town, was that of selectman, seven years, between 1836 and

185 1 ; clerk and treasurer from 1853 to 1865 ; representative in the

State Legislature in 1849. ^^ "^^s a candidate for the State

Capt. Edmund Spicer.

born
died

228

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Senate in 1862. He was judge of probate for twelve years, be-
ginning in 1855. He was one of the charter members of the
Bill Library Association, and was secretary of the association
eighteen years in succession, retiring from the office in 1885.
He was treasurer and librarian from 1867 tih his death in 1890.
Mr. Spicer united with the Congregational Church in 1843. His
wife and children were also members of this church. He often
served on the church committee, also on the standing committee
of the ecclesiastical society.

He was married Nov. 16, 1836, to Bethia W. Avery, daugh-
ter of John Sands and Bethia (Williams) Avery, of Groton.
Their children were

Mary Abby, born Sept. 23, 1837, married George Fanning,
April 16, 1862.

John Sands, born Sept. 20, 1842, married Anna M. Williams,
May 27, 1873.

Joseph Latham, born
March 4, 1845, died Sept.
3, 1847.

Sarah Elizabeth, born
Aug. 3, 1847, married
Nathan L. Lester, May 24,
1871.

Carrie Gallup, born May
28, 1850, married Amos
Lester, May 28, 1868.

Cecelia WilHams, born
Sept. 30, 1852, married
Jonathan F. Lester, May
28, 1873.

Eugene, bom

1856, married

Griswold, Dec,

John S. Spicer.

Edward
July 25,
Saraih A.
22, 1878.

George Walter, born Dec. 25, 1858.

At the close of the last century, twenty-nine grand-children
had been born to Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Spicer, six of whom had

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

229

died. Mrs. Spicer, after a very active and useful life, died March
7, 1886, aged 59. Mr. Spicer survived her a little over four
years, when his busy and prosperous life was terminated by
death. May i, 1890, at the age of 78.

John S. Spicer succeeded to his father's business, and was
the post^master, and kept the store at the Centre for a number
of years. He removed to Norwich albout 1893, and is there
engaged in the grocery trade on Water street. He has several
children.

Guy Carlton Stoddard was born May 11, 1790, in Groton,
Conn., and was the son of Vine Stoddard and Abigail Avery, his
wife. He came from good old Revolutionary stock, his father

being lieutenant and
his grandfather,
Ralph Stoddard;
captain in the Revo-
lutionary service,
both appointed by
Gov. Jonathan, Trum-
bull. He had twO' sis-'
ters and two broth-
ers. The following is
a copy of an article
which appeared in a
Noirwich, Conn.,
paper, at the time of
his death, March 31,
1882, and expresses
the sentiments of the
writer of this, per-
haps better than anything else could : "An ancient landmark
was swept away in the death, last week, of Guy C. Stoddard, of
old age, after a few days of painful illness. Mr. Stoddard was
almost a centenarian and was one of the most widely known
and respected of our citizens. He was a life-long Democrat,

Gut C. Stoddahd, Esq.

230 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYAED.

and an influential man. All but the last years of his life were
spent at the Stoddard homestead here. Mr. Stoddard was a
Master Mason, though long since retired from active working
with that order. As early as 18 19, he was elected constable, and
subsequently during all the years of his business life he filled
various offices in the gift of the town, Groton, and later, Led-
yard. Previous to the setting off of Ledyard from Grt>ton he
was elected a member of the Connecticut House of Representa-
tives for several terms. In 1842 he was a successful candidate
for Senator, from what was then the Seventh district. He early
retired from the political field, however, although a brilliant
future was opened before him, preferring the quiet of his coun-
try home and surroundings to the greed and wiles of a political
life. In 1846 he was appointed a notary public by Gov. Isaac
Tbucey. All his public positions and duties were filled with
dignity and honor to his constituents. Mr. Stoddard was a
soldier in the War of 1812, and used to relate interesting details
of his participation in the memorable battle of Stonington Point.
He early identified himself with the interest of his town and was
foremost in many of the leading refo'rms of his time. He joined
the M. E. Church here Sept. 27, 1868. He died at the resi-
dence of his daughter, Mrs. Julia A. Adams, where the last
years of his life were spent, and his funeral was largely attended.
Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren followed his
body to the grave. He was a perfect sample of the gentleman
of the old school, and although he had attained so great an age,
and outlived so many of his relatives, }-et he will be long held
in grateful remembrance by man\'. He has gone down to his
grave full of years and honors. Two sons and four daughters
survive him. The Nnv Haven Register and the Nczv London Day
have published appropriate and graceful comments on the
death of this aged man."

Sanford Billings Stoddard, eldest son of' Sanford Stod-
dard, was born in North Groton (Ledyard), Dec. 4, 1813. His
father was a sea captain. Having received a common school
education young Stoddard went on the water with his father

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 23 1

while yet a boy. At the age of twenty-one he went before the
maist. Two years later he became mate; and serving in that
capacity for two years he was again promoted to the position of
captain. In 1842 he married Miss Mary, daughter of Hibbard
Stoddard, of Ledyard. Their children were Mary Elizabeth,
Sanford B. and Jane F. Mr. Stoddard left the sea soon after
he was married, and spent the remainder of his life in farming,
occupying the place which had been in the possession of the
family since 1700. He died in 1892, and Mrs. Stoddard in 1895.
Their daughter, Mary E., and their son, Sanford B., died young.
Their daughter, Jane F., was married to S. A. Crandall. After
becoming the mother of two children, a daughter and a son, she
died in 1885, aged 34. The family were members and liberal
supporters of the Congregational Church in Ledyard,

Orlando Smith was the ninth child and sixth son of Shubael
Smith, and his wife, Sarah Raymond, and was born in Ledyard,
Feb. 14, 1814.

Shubael Smith was a direct descendant of Rev. Nehemiah
Smith, one of the first settlers of Norwich, Conn.

Sarah Raymond was a descendant of Dea. Joshua Raymond,
of New London.

In Ledyard were born all, save the eldest, of the family of
eleven children and they lived at the "Smith homestead." In
addition to the managing of his farm, Mr. Smith carried on quite
an extensive business in buying and shipping mules to the South
and the West Indies. He died in 1823 at the age of 48, leaving
a widow and nine children, several of them of quite tender years.
LTpon Mrs. Smith rested the burden of great responsibilities.

Orlando received a sound and excellent training, developing
principles of honesty and integrity and acquiring habits of in-
dustry, economy and self-reliance which remained with him
through life.

He received such educational advantages as the schools of
his native town afforded, and was a gooid scholar, with a special
aptitude for mathematics. He supplemented his somewhat
limited education by studious habits and well-chosen reading

232 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

and was always a lover of good books. In his youth, he learned
the trade of a stone mason, an occupation which he followed for
several years. In his early manhood, a great wave of enthusiasm
for Western emigration swept over New England. In this
movement the State of Connecticut has always borne a con-
spicuous part and the town of Ledyard has contributed so^me of
her most promising sons to the making of the West. With a
company of young men from his native town, Orlando Smith
went to Joliet, 111. He was much impressed with the new coun-
try ; but fell a victim to malaria and returned home soi shattered
in health that it took many months for him to recuperate.

He then resumed his trade of stone masonry and with care
and good management developed a fair business. In 1839, Mr.
Smith decided to locate in the enterprising village of Westerly,
R. I. Though then in their infancy, the manufacturing interests
of the town were developing and the place was growing, thus
affording good opportunities for the building contracts which
he wished to secure.

Being constantly on the lookout for good building material,
Mr. Smith discovered, on the farm formerly owned by Dr.
Joshua Babcock, .the stone which proved to be the celebrated
Westerly granite.

That year was a fortunate one for Mr. Smith in another re-
spect as it witnessed his marriage to an estimable young woman,
also born in Ledyard, Emeline, daughter of Isaac Gallup, Esq.,
of Preston.

Three years later the purchase of the farm on Quarry Hill was
completed, the family was established in the old Babcock home-
stead, and Mr. Smith prepared to develop the granite business
which was destined to become one of the most important in-
dustries of his adopted town.

Although the quarry was opened and originally worked
chiefly for the purpose of supplying building material, the possi-
bilities of the fine, enduring granite for monumental purposes,
soon became apparent and the development of the business along
that line has been of marked importance, fully keeping in touch

BIOGRAPHICAL ^KETCHES. 233

with the wants of ar people constantly advancing in wealth,
culture and artistic taste.

Mr. Smith died after a short illness, at the age of 45, May 30,
1859, leaving a widow and four children to mourn the loss of a
devoted husband and father.

Mr. Smith was a director of the National Phenix Bank and
one of the founders and original members of the Pawcatuck Con-
gregational Church, of Westerly.

Mrs. Emeline (Gallup) Smith survived her husband twenty-
seven years, beingsparedto be the comfort and stay of her family.

The children of the marriage were

Orlando Raymond, born June i, 1851, died Oct. 19, 189S.

Sarah Almira, now Mrs. Otis P. Chapman, born June 16, 1853.

Julia Emeline, born Feb. 16, 1855.

Isaac Gallup, bom June 5, 1857, died July 12, 1888.

[J. E. S.]

Rev. Robert E. Turner, son of Erastus H. and Betsey
(Wilcox) Turner, was born in Ledyard, May 17, 1852. He ob-
tained his early education in the district and select schoiois of
Ledyard. He taught in the public schools of Ledyard and
vicinity six years. He then worked at the carpenter's trade in
Norwich, contracting and building for about seven years. Dur-
ing a large part of this time as lay preacher he occupied the pulpit
of the chapel at Brewster's Neck. He was ordained to the
gospel ministry, Oct. 8, 1890, in the Central Baptist Church, Nor-
wich. He soon became pastor of the Baptist Church at Fitch-
ville. Meantime he entered the Newton Theological Seminary,
and pursuing a regular course of study there, was graduated in
1892. Before his graduation, in addition to his Fitchville charge,
he became pastor of the Baptist Church in Lebanon, and has
served these two churches up to the present time. Large num-
bers have been added to both of the churches since he began to
supply them, fifty to the Fitchville Church, and about as many to
the church in Lebanon. Mr. Turner has been president of the
Jonathan Trumbull Library Association fro'm its organization to
the present time. He has for eig'ht years been chairman of the

234 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYAED.

Lebanon board of education. He was one-of the representatives
from the town of Lebanon in our State Legislature in 1895, and
was chairman of the committee on education in that body. He
was married March 24, 1873, to Mary Emily, daughter of
Theophilus and Mary L. Avery, of Ledyard. This wife died May
27, 1874; and on Aug. 15, 1875, he was married to Mary A.,
daughter of Simeon and Lucy A. Stod'dard, of Ledyard.

'[R. E. T.]

Samuel Whipple. The marriage of Samuel Whipple, Jr.,
of Providence, to Elizabeth Eddy, of Swansey, Mass., is recorded at
Providence, Feb. 26, 1690. The births of seven children are also
recorded there. His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1718, leaving nine
children. He appears in Groton as early as 171 1 where he owned
large tracts of land at Poquetanuck. In his will, dated April 18,
1728, he speaks of his wife, Deborah, who is to be provided for
by his son, Daniel. To Daniel he gives all his land on the west
side of the saw-mill brook, his saw-mill and iron works on said
brook and his dwelling house and bam; he also mentions sons,
Samuel, Zachariah, Zepheniah, and daughters, Alice Whipple
and Hope Caprin. His inventory amounted to £4,796, and in-
cluded 780 acres of land. He, with other members of his fattiily,
was buried on his own farm, and their headstones are still in a
fair state of preservation. A portion of his land is still in the
possession of his descendants. [M. E. G.]

Samuel S. Whipple, the grandson of Mr. Henry Watroiis,
enlisted from Ledyard in Company C, First Connecticut Cavalry,
Nov. 25, 1861, and was given the position of farrier, and acted in
that capacity till sometime in 1863. During the fall of 1863 he
had a talk with the lieutenant commanding his company, to
whom, in the course of conversation, he said, "Many of the boys
who enlisted first are being promoted, and I do not want to re-
main at the bottom of the heap. My people at home have not
the disposition, as you know, to assist me, and I can only be
helped by some one like yon who knows me." The officer re-
plied, "I will take the first opportunity that offers itself, to aid

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 23$

you." A few days later there came a call from aniother company
for a sergeant. Tears of thankfulness came to Whipple's eyes
as he was informed that he had been recommended for the posi-
tion. The transfer to Company G was made, and eventually he
became regimental color bearer, and it was while gallantly carry-
ing the flag during the battle at Ashland, June i, 1864, that a
rebel bullet passed completely through his body. Turning to a
comrade by his side, he had strength to say, "I'm shot ; take my
horse and the colors." He fell from his horse, but ere his body
touched the ground, his soul had winged its flight to Him who
gave it. 'His comrades endeavored to secure his body, but that
was impossible, and he was buried by the Co'nfederates.

[W. T. C]

Asa Whitney, son of Shubad Whitney, was boirn about 1800.
The family lived in the north-east part of the town, near Lantern
Hill. The father was a farmer and carpenter. The son learned
the trade of a cabinet-maker ; and when a young man carried on
the business for a time at Jewett City. AboiUt 1830-40, he was
very prospero'Us as a grocery merchant in New York City, his
family residing meantime at New Rochelle. During this period
he used to spend portions of almost every year at the home of his
youth in Ledyard. At length Mr. Whitney, Sen., sold the home-
stead, and with his wife and daughters went to live with his son
at New Rochelle. From this place Mr. W. 'artd his family moved
to Sing Sing, N. Y., and at a subsequent date to a place near
Washington, D. C, where he was last heard from about 1875.
He had two wives; the first, a Monroe; the second, a Pellette.
They had no children. While he was carrying on business in
New York, Mr. Whitney acquired considerable celebrity by call-
ing the attention of Congress to the idea of a railroad across the
Continent, a thing which at that time seemed to^ many visionary
and impracticable. He early foresaw the great possibilities of
America.

Jemima Wilkinson. Sometime between 1770 and 1790,
while the farm now owned by Amos Hurlbut was in possession
of the second James Smith, it was the home of Jemima Wilkinson.

236 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

This eccentric woman in early life resided in Waterford, Conn.
At one time her relatives supposed that she was dead, and prepa-
rations were made for the funeral. When the coffin was opened
to allow the sorrowing friends to take a last look at the remains,
Jemima startled the congregation by sitting up, and rem^arking
that she would do the preaching herself that day.

She claimed to have passed through the gates of death, but
that she had been sent back to earth, to be the second Redeemer,
and that from her resurrection was to date the regeneration of
the world.

She preached for some time in North Groton (Ledyard), at-
tracting large congregations, and making some converts. But,
finding the "Land of Steady Habits" rather sterile soil for the
propagation of her peculiar doctrines, she removed with her fol-
lowers to Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Here some accessions
were made to the Jemimakins, as they were called, but believing
that they could prosper still better in New York State, the whole
colony removed thither. Tradition says that Jetnima. was car-
ried through the woods, in a gorgeous chariot, drawn by her
proselytes.

They settled in Yates County, New York, where they estab-
lished the "City of the New Jerusalem," and presently their num-
bers so increased that they required a postoffice.

At a meeting called to choose a name for the new postoffice,
it became evident that the regeneration of the Jemimakins was
not so complete as to entirely eliminate a spirit of jealousy be-
tween the first of the faith, who were called Yankees, because
they came from Connecticut, and the later proselytes whO' came
from Pennsylvania. Every suggestion of one faction was
laughed to scorn by the other. At length some peace-loving
brother proposed a compromise. He suggested that the name
be divided between the two parties, with Penn for the Penna-
mites, and Yan for the Yankees.

Although the meeting adjourned without formerly ratifying
the suggestion, it was adopted the next day by general consent,
and to this day I"enn-Yan remains the name of the city.

[F. R. H.]

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 237

Hon. Henry Warren Williams, LL.D., oldest son of
Warren and Elisabeth Stanton (Gallup) Williams, was born in
North Groton, Jan. 20, 1816. He was one of ten children —
four sons and six daughters. He fitted for college at Bacon
Academy, Colchester, and Plainfield Academy. He was grad-
uated at Amherst College in 1837. Among the honors won by
him in college was that of class orator, being chosen by his class-
mates. He received the degree of M. A. froim his alma mater in
1850, and that of LL.D. in i860. He spent his first year after
graduation teaching an academic school in Southwick, Mass.
Removing to Pittsburgh, Pa., he studied law in the office of
Judge Lowrie, and was at the same time engaged in teaching.
He was admitted to the bar in 1841, and continued in legal prac-
tice till 1851, when he was elected associate justice of the Dis-
trict Court for ten years, and re-elected in 1861. He was ten-
dered the office of judge of the United States Circuit Court for
the Third Judicial District, comprising Pennsylvania, New Jersey
and Delaware, by President Grant, through United States Sena-
tor John Scott, but declined it. In August, 1868, Gov. Geary
appointed him to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court bench of
Pennsylvania, and he took his seat, Oct. 26, 1868. The follow-
ing year he was elected for a full term of fifteen years, and toiok
his seat on the first Monday of December, 1869. He joined the
Third Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, on profession of his
faith, in March, 1840, was chosen elder of the church in 1858, and
held the office for sixteen years. He was a member of the Gen-
eral Assembly of the New School Presbyterian Church in 1859,
1865, 1866 and 1867. He was elected a coirporate member of
the A. B. C. F. M. in 1869. He took an active part in securing
a re-union of the two branches of the Presbyterian Church, Old
School and New School, in 1870. He was married May 20, 1846,
to Lucy J. Stone, of Petersburgh, N. Y. They had six children —
three sons and three daughters.

Judge Williams died Feb. 19, 1877. Mrs, Williams and five
children survived him.

At a meeting of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, a few
days after his death, Judge Agnew said the following among

238 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

other things of his late associate, Chief Justice Williams : "His
mind was peculiarly receptive and retentive of facts, and his
memory one of the most tenacious. He seemed never to forget
a case he had once heard. * * * jje seized the leading
points of a case quickly and with a strong grasp. His oral
arguments and his charges were always clear, pointed, discrim-
inating and forcible. * * =!= Our brother Williams was a man
of great probity and firmness of character, of conscientious con-
victions and strict notions of duty. * * * jj^ purity and sin-
gleness his mind was especially conspicuous, swerving neither to
the right nor to the left, so far as he knew himself. This was
eminently so in the performance of his judicial duties. * * *
His was a genial and kindly nature, filled with wit and good
humor, poured out often in a sonorous voice, and with a liberality
which made his intercourse enjoyable.''

Hon. Elias. Hewitt Williams, son of Erastus and Nancy
(Hewitt) Williams, was born in North Groton (now Ledyard),
July 23, 1819. He was graduated at Yale College in 1840. The
first year after he left college he spent in New Hampshire, acting
as principal of Goshen Academy, in Sullivan County, in that
State. The next year he went South, and became tutor in a
private school near Columbia, S. C. This school was largely
devoted to the fitting of boys for Yale College. His duties not
occupying all of his time, he commenced the study of law, and
continued it for five successive years. The sickness and death
of his father called him home in 1846. Soon after his father's
death he went to Iowa, and settled at Garnavillo. Upon the
breaking out of the Mexican War he enlisted, and was chosen
sergeant, in a regiment of Dragoons, stationed at Fort Atkinson,
Iowa, the officers and men who had previously been there being
ordered to Mexico. At the end of the war he returned to Gar-
navillo, commenced the practice of law, and also opened up a
farm near by. In 1851, under the new code system of county
government, he was elected the first county judge of Clayton
county. He held the office two terms ; and accomplished a work
which called forth much praise from men every way qualified to

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

239

judge. About this time "he sold his Garnavillo farm, and pur-
chased of the United States Government a tract of 2,200 acres ot
land in Grand Meadow, and employed his brother-in-law, Will-
iam Larrabee, to superintend the opening of a farm on his new
purchase. The crops of wheat raised the first two years on the

part brought under culti-
vation, being about 320
acres, paid the cost of rais-
ing, all the improvements
made, and the price paid
for the whole tract of land."
In 1858 he • was elected
judge of the Tenth Judicial
District of Iowa; and re-
elected in 1862. His work
in this office was highly
commended by those who
were familiar with it and
capable of appreciating its
merits. "In 1870 he was
appointed by Gov. Sami.iel
Merrill to fill a vacancy on
the bench of the Supreme
Court of the State, and
served o^nly till his successor, elected at the next following elec-
tion, had qualified. The published opinions written by him are
models of clearness and brevity." He next turned his attention
to the construction of railways in different parts of Iowa and
adjacent States. Some of the enterprises in which he engaged
were very successful ; but one was quite the reverse. "Financial
disaster overtook the eastern capitalists who had undertaken to
supply the necessary funds, and the enterprise was thrown into
an embarrassment from which it never recovered." Judge Will-
iams kept up his habits of reading and study through life. "He
had a retentive memo^ry and his knowledge was extensive and
minute. He was untiring in his efforts to benefit his friends, his

Hon. Elias Hewitt Williams.

240 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

neighbors, and the county, state and nation in which he lived.
To the young he was an especial friend, and in conferring bene-
fits upon them would present them with such delicacy as to make
himself appear the recipient of the favors." In the recorded
action of the Clayton County bar, taken soon after his death, are
the following, among other appreciative words : "Resolved, that
in the death of Judge Williams, we feel that Iowa has lost one of
its brightest mtellects, a mind of high culture, an able jurist, a
man of strict integrity and of kindly heart." Judge Williams
was married, in 1849, to Hannah, daughter of Capt. Adam Larra-
bee, of Ledyard, Conn. They had two sons and two daughters.
He died at his home in Grand Meadow, Iowa, Aug. 20, 1891,
aged 72. Mrs. Williams and the four children survived him.
[See Iowa Historical Record for January, 1892.]

William Henry Williams, son of Seth and Lucy Ann
(Noyes) Williams, was born in Ledyard, Oct. 22, 1838. He at-
tended the district school and worked on his father's farm in his
boyhood. He fitted for college in Providence, R. I., and received
his collegiate education in Brown University, being a member of
the class of 1865. He studied law in the Columbia Law School,
New York, and was graduated in 1868. He engaged in the
practice ol law in New York City.

He was married Sept. 3, 1895, to Susanna H. Hunter, of
Hagarstown, Md. Mr. Williams died March 11, 1901.

Orrin Merwin Williams, son of Seth and Lucy Ann
(Noyes) Williams, was born in Ledyard, Nov. 17, 1845. His
youth was divided between attendance upon the district school
and labor upon the farm on which he was born. He fitted for
college at Philips Academy, Andover, Mass., and was graduated
from Yale in 1869. He studied law with Judge Thomas Wilson,
of Winona, Minn., and being admitted to the bar, served as city
attorney in that place for several years. He died in 1876, at the
age of 31 years.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 24I

Col. Samuel W. Wood was born in New London, Conn.,
Feb. 13, 1802. He was a direct descendant of John Wood, a
native of Warwick, England, who died Dec. 20, 1738, aged 90.
Mary Wood, widow of John, died May 3, 1744, aged yj.

Col. S. W. Wood was son of Capt. Samuel Wood, who died
Aug. 13, 1812, aged 48. Diadaima, widow of Capt. S. Wood,
died June 13, 1829, aged 57.

When about twelve years of age the subject of this sketch lived
in the family of Rev. Timothy Tuttle; and from their first ac-
quaintance with each other a warm friendship ever existed be-
tween the Tuttle family and the Wood family.

Col. Wood's principal business in life was that of a farmer.
As he ripened into manhood and advaniced in years he developed
a good deal of talent for public business ; and a large amount of
such business was entrusted to his hands. When quite a young
man he was colonel of the regiment to which he belonged. At
one time he held the office of judge of probate. He settled a
large number of estates. He often acted for retired soldiers in
procuring their pensions. He was for many years superintendent
of the Congregational Sunday-school. While holding the office
he secured the attendance of the whole congregation, and of some
also who were not meiribers of the congregation, so that at one
time it was jocosely, but in a sense truthfully said, that the Sun-
day-school included eleven tenths of the congregation. In the
matter of attendance it was the banner school of the State.

In every official position which he was called to fill. Col. Wood
performed his work in a very orderly and systematic manner;
and in this way' usually won the approbation and esteem of all
interested. The natural workings of his mind seemed to be of
such a character that he was seldom willing to accept conclusions
that rested upon anything short of positive demonstration. It
was probably this peculiar quality of his mind w'hich prevented
him from attaining to satisfying convictions in the things of re-
ligion sufficient to warrant his making a public profession of his
faith. He could not demonstrate moral and religious truths as

16

242 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

he could mathematical propositions. And because he could not
demonstrate them he was reluctant to affirm that he believed
them, and so by profession number himself openly with church
members. Such at least was the view which his pastor, the Rev.
Mr. Tuttle, was wont to entertain of him.

Col. Wood married Miss Julia Ann Witter, of Preston.
Three daughters were the fruits of this marriage. He died Oct.
29, 1863, aged 61. Mrs. Wood died Feb. 19, 1882, aged 78.

244 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

at such time and place as you may think best, and I will
meet the gentlemen and explain my plan, etc., to them, and pay
over in cash for the establishing of said library. Please let me
know the time and place. I have added, as you will see, tO' the
list of names first sent to you, and herewith you will find a com-
plete list.

"Respy. Yours,

"Henry Bill.

"Rev. N. B. Cook,

"Ledyard, Conn."

Mr. Bill's letter of January isth named the following addi-
tional trustees, viz. : Sanford B. Stoddard, Ralph Hurlbutt,
Leonard C. Smith, Rufus M. Gallup, N. Sands Gallup and
George Fanning.

It seems tO' have been Mr. Bill's intention in naming the ad-
ditional trustees, to have all parts of the town represented, and in
this manner create an increased interest in the library. Upon the
receipt of the foregoing letters, a meeting of the gentlemen
named therein was called to- consider the matter, and the follow-
ing resolutions were presented by Rev. N. B. Cook and signed
by the trustees present.

"Whereas, Our friend and foirmer townsman, the Hon. Henry
Bill, of Norwich, has, in a letter communicated to the under-
signed, made known his determination to give tO' the town of
Ledyard the generous sum of One Thousand Dollars, the income
thereof, to be used and applied for the purpose of establishing a
town library for all the inhabitants of said town, and has re-
quested us to take in trust the charge and m'anagement of the
same; therefore,

"Resolved, That the undersigned, being the trustees assem-
bled at the vestry of the Congregaitional Church in said town,
and being sensible of the duties imposed by a trust of such im-
portance and responsibility, do hereby accept the office of trustees
of the same, and promise our best endeavors in its behalf.

"Resolved, That we hereby express to Mr. Bill our grateful
appreciation for his noble gift.

HISTORY OF THE BILL LIBRARY. 245

"Resolved, That we express, in behalf of Mr. Bill, our earnest
prayer, that in the gracious providence of God, his life may be
long spared to witness the success of his benevolent contribution
to the happiness of his beloved native town.

"Resolved, That this library be called the 'Bill Library.'

"Signed by the Trustees."

At the session of the Legislature, held in 1867, the "Bill
Library Association" was incorporated, and the document sealed
and signed on the eighth day of June, 1867, by

L. E. Pease,

Secretary of State.

At a meeting of the Trustees, held June 15th, 1867, Rev. N. B.
Cook was elected President of the Association, and Edmund
Spicer, Esq., Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian.

At the first regular meeting held Nov. 9th, 1867, Rev. N. B.
Cook resigned as President, and Christopher Newton, Esq., was
elected to succeed him. Mr. Newton died in 1875, and in 1876,
Mr. Franklin Brewster was elected, who held the ofHce till his
decease in 1885. Hon. John Brewster succeeded him, and re-
signed the position in 1894. He was followed by Lt. William
T. Cook, who, on account of ill health, resigned in 1897. George
Fanning, Esq., was then elected President, and has continued to
hold the office since that time.

In 1885, William T. Cook, George Fanning and Isaac G. Geer
were elected Vice-Presidents, and were re-elected annually till
1894, at which time George Fanning, Isaac G. Geer and Rev.
A. E. Kinmouth were chosen. At the annual meeting of 1897,
William T. Cook, Isaac G. Geer and Rev. A. E. Kinmouth were
chosen Vice-Presidents. Edmund Sipicer, Esq., who was dected
the first Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian, retained these of-
fices until 1885, at which date William T. Cook was chosen
Secretary, Mr. Spicer retaining the treasurership and Librarian
until he died in 1890. His son, John S. Spicer, was then chosen
Treasurer and Librarian, and is still retained as Treasurer. In
1894, Miss Hattie J. Gray was elected Librarian, and held the

246 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

position till her marriage in May, 1899, when Miss Marian I.
Gray was chosen her successor.

William T. Cook remained as Secretary from 1885 to 1894.
George Fanning was then chosen Secretary, holding the office
till 1897, at which time Russell Gallup was elected.

The first annual meeting, followed by the "Library Dinner,"
was held at the house of Mr. George H. O'Brien. About this
time, Hon. Henry Bill donated to the Congregational Society, his
old homestead, to be used as a parsonage, and thereafter the an-
nual meetings and dinner took place at the "Bill Parsonage."

Here the trustees and invited guests, numbering half a hun-
dred or more, gathered each year, the trustees first transacting
in the pastor's study the business necessary, then adjourning to
the large hall — a hall originally built in the house for the Masonic
Lodge established in North Groton — up stairs, to partake of the
banquet so faithfully served by the ladies interested in the happi-
ness of the occasion. Having finished the repast, then came the
"Feast of reason and flow of soul." 'At the close of these exer-
cises, the company arose and all present joined in singing,
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow," and this manner of
closing the meetings with the doxology has continued to this
date. It is a fortunate circumstance that the founder of the
library was enabled each j^ear to attend these meetings as long as
he lived. Those who attended our gatherings in the earlier years
of our institution will recall with much pleasure, the presence of
Edward Bill, Esq., of New York City, an honorary member, who
met with us every year till his decease. He always produced an
essay, sometimes in poetry, sometimes in proSe, to which his
hearers ever listened with interest. Among our guests, at dif-
ferent occasions, were John L. Dennison, Esq., Richard A.
Wheeler, Esq., Rev. Dr. Pratt, S. T. Holbrook, Esq., Chas. W.
Carter, Esq., Hon. H. H. Starkweather, John W. Stedman, Esq.,
Rev. James A. Gallup, Rev. Robert AUyn, Rev. Charles Cutting,
Hon. John T. Wait, Jeremiah Halsey, Esq., Gov. Wm. A.
Buckingham and Rev. John Avery, all of whom delivered essays

HISTORY OF THE BILL LIBRARY. 247

or addresses, befitting the occasion, as indeed did many others of
the guests. The number of our invited guests grew larger and
larger as time went on, until we lacked for room at the parsonage,
and it was finally suggested that our annual meetings be held at
the Congregationial Church, and that the exercises be open tO' the
public. So in August, 1893, our first regular meeting was held
in the church at Ledyard Centre, and the following was the order
of exercises given at that time :

Organ voluntary by Miss Hattie E. Fanning, followed with
prayer by Rev. John Avery — then an anthem — then the oration
by Rev. A. E. Kinmouth — a solo by Miss Chrissie Whipple — a
Poem by Mrs. Ida Whipple Benham — Ten-minute speeches by
Mr. Warren Lee Goss, Richard A. Wheeler, Esq. — Poem written
by Mrs. R. Maria Allyn— Short addresses by Rev. E. M. Will-
iams, of Groton, Rev. John Avery, and remarks by others.

Tables were placed on the lawn east of the church edifice
where dinner was served, after the literary entertainment. Be-
tween four and five hundred people were in attendance.

The succeeding year's orations have been delivered as follows :

In 1894, Rev. James A. Gallup.

In 1895, Hon. Charles A. Russell.

In 1896, Rev. Mr. Barrows, pastor of the Road Church in
Stonington.

In 1897, Rev. Mr. Pitner, of Norwich.

In 1898, Rev. Lewellyn Pratt, pastor of Broadway Church,
Norwich.

In 1899, Rev. W. C. Stiles, of Stonington.

The same year. Rev. John Avery read an article on "The
Pequot Indians." On one occasion, Rev. Frederic Denison de-
livered an original poem, and at another time Rev. John Avery
gave us an "Anniversary Poem."

When the library was first organized, Hon, Henry Bill, be-
sides giving $1,000, the income from which to be spent in furnish-
ing books, also donated at different times, more than two thou-
sand volumes, making the value of his gift over three thousand

248 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

dollars. Frederic Bill, Ledyard Bill and Charles Bill, as well as
others, have contributed many volumes.

In the year 1897, Mr. Charles Bill (deceased), who with all
the Bill brothers, had been made honorary members of the Asso-
ciation, left by his will $500, one hundred of the sum to be spent
each year for books for the library, in the meaiiwhile allowing the
original fund of $1,000 to accumulate and which now amounts to
over $3,000 of itself.

In 1898, Messrs. Gurdoti and Frederic Bill donated to the As-
sociation for its own use pieces of crockery consisting of a dinner
set, complete, appropriately marked, to be used whenever occa-
sion required.

In 1899, Mr. Gurdon Bill gave to the Association $500, the
interest on which was to be applied towards defraying the ex-
penses incurred at the dinner served at our annual meetings.

As a New Year's gift, the Association received from Miss
Eliza Geer, to be used at our banquets, a set of silverware con-
sisting in all of 480 pieces.

When the library was first created, book-cases were made
and placed in the gallery of the Congregational Church. Here
the books were kept for nearly twenty-six years, but in later years,
the Bill brothers, seeing the necessity of a separate and' permanent
home for the growing library, secured a location on the "Com-
mon" near the church at the centre, and contributed the sum of
three thousand dollars for the construction of a suitable edi-
fice, and under the supervision of Mr. Frederic Bill, there was
erected, for library purposes, an appropriate building, that will
remain a monument to the generosity of the family for many
years to come. This building was suitably dedicated on the day
of our annual meeting in 1893. It contains a hall, room for the
meeting of the trustees, and a spacious apartment where the
library is located. The walls are adorned with pictures of the
trustees, many of the citizens of the town, also many natives of
the town of Ledyard, who have gone out from among these
rocks and hills and become eminent in other states,

HISTORY OF THE BILL LIBRARY. 249

Of the trustees appointed orig^inally, two have removed from
town, four yet reside here, and thirteen have died, also the Rev.
Charles Cutting, a more recent appointee.

Trustees now of record are :

N. M. Gallup, Rev. A. E. Kinmouth,

J. B. Beckwith, Erasmus Avery,

Wm. I. Allyn, Isaac G. Geer,

John S. Spicer, John Brewster,

N. Sands Gallup, George Panning,

Joseph A. Gallup, Palmer Allyn,

Jacob Gallup, Isaac W. Geer,

Russell Gallup, Henry Hurlbutt,

Wm. T. Cook, Charles A. Satterlee.
John M. Gray,

The honorary trustees have been :

*Henry Bill, *Charles Bill,

Benj. P. Lewis, Henry Larrabee,

*Edward Bill, I. Edwin Avery,

Gurdon Bill, *Charles Cutting,

Prederic Bill, Rev. John Avery,

Ledyard Bill, Prederic A. Bill.

The officers tO'-day-are: —

President, George Paiming; Vice-Presidents, Wm. T. Cook,
Isaac G. Geer, Rev. A. E. Kinmouth ; Secretary, Russell Gallup ;
Treasurer, John S. Spicer; Librarian, Miss Marian I. Gray.

During the past year 922 books have been drawn, and 391
magazines, and there have been 125 persons taking books regu-
larly. The books are absolutely free. To draw one, it is only
necessary to be a resident of the town.

There are now in the library 3,099 volumes, and the fund, the
income from which additional books can be supplied, is $3,134.27.

Thus, by the beneficenice of Hon. Henry Bill, and later years

♦Deceased,

250 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF . LEDYARD.

by the assistance of the Bill brothers — ^all of whom were natives
of our town — we are provided with a fine library and substantial
building for the benefit of all the inhabitants of the town.

As we meet each year to celebrate the anniversary of the
foundation of the library, our hearts go o-ut in grateful thanks
to the donors.

[W. T. C]

CHAPTER XIV.
The Pequot Indians.

Two hundred and sixty-five years ago all the south-eastern
portion of New London County was occupied by a powerful
tribe of Aborigines known as the Pequot Indians. Their do-
minions extended from the Niantic river on the west to the
Pawcatuck river on the east, and from Long Island Sound on
the south up a dozen or more miles into the interior ; and in-
cluded the territory now covered by the towns of New London,
Waterford, Groton, Ledyard, Stonington and North Stoning-
ton. The territory to the east of them was occupied by the
Narragansetts ; that to the west by the Nehantics ; that to^ the
north and north-west by the Mohegans. The Mohegans were
originally Pequots, and had revolted and set up for themselves,
under the leadership of Uncas, who subsequently acted a very
important part as the friend of the early Enghsh settlers in their
conflicts with the hostile Indian tribes. The Pequots were altO'-
gether the most powerful native tribe in Connecticut, and one
of the most powerful in New England. Hence, as soon as they
became unfriendly, they presented one of the most formidable
obstacles to the peaceful settlement of the English in this por-
tion of the country. They numbered altogether about four
thousand souls. Sassacus, their chief, had twenty-six sachems
under him, and some seven hundred warriors.

In the year 1637, June 5, the strength of this tribe was
broken in the memorable battle near the site of the present vil-
lage of Mystic, in which seventy-seven English soldiers, under
Capt. John Mason, accompanied by about sixty Indians under
the famous Uncas as their leader, surprised, in the early morn-
ing, the camp of the Pequots, and slew some four hundred or
five hundred of their number. By this single blow their pres-

252 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

tige and power as a warlike tribe was destroyed. Yet they
have existed as a conquered and powerless people right here
among us for more than two and a half centuries and a small
remnant of them exists to-day. The home of my boyhood was
within two miles of their reservation, which was in the north
part of the present town of Ledyard. Through my entire life
I have been acquainted with this people. I have known their
children who are now upon the stage, their parents, their grand-
parents, their great-grandparents, and their great-great-grand-
parents. Hence, among the historic statements of this paper, I
shall take the liberty to weave in a good many personal remi-
niscences.

In speaking of this Indian tribe it may be well perhaps to
say, at the outset, that they have been classed by ethnologists
with the great Algonquin race, which was found occupying all
the south-eastern portion of North America at the time that
the European nations began to take possession of it.

According to a tradition, which our ancestors found preva-
lent among them, the Pequots had not been living very long in
this part of the country when the English people came to dwell
among them. Some time, not long before 1600, they migrated
hither from Eastern New York. Having broken off from the
Mohegans there, they were long known as Mohegans here.

The earlier intercourse of our ancestors with the Indian
tribes of New England was of a friendly character. The In-
dians invited the English people to settle among them, and
opened the way for them to do so. A fact or two, illustrative
of this point, may be properly mentioned in this place. Early
in the history of the Plymouth colony, Mass., Massasoit, a
prominent Indian chief, sought an interview with the colonists
and entered into a friendly agreement with them. The terms of
the agreement, consisting of half a dozen particulars, were
specifically stated in writing. "This treaty of Peace," says a
historian of Plymouth, "made under the influence of upright
intentions by both of the parties concerned, proved mutually
advantageous, and continued without any serious disturbance
for more than fifty years," And if all the men who were promi-

THE PEQUOT INDIANS. 253

nent actors in the early history of our Massachusetts and Con-
necticut colonies had been like those who treated with Massa-
soit, or like William Penn, of Pennsylvania, or Theophilus
Eaton, of New Haven, it is possible, indeed very probable, that
much bloodshed might have been prevented, and some of our
most terrible wars with these savage tribes might never have
been fought. After their defeat at Mystic the Pequots were
scattered. Some sought refuge with neighboring tribes, that
were not altogether hostile to them. Some wandered south-
ward and found temporary or permanent homes as far away
as North Carolina. Some lingered still here in the regions
where they were born and where most of their lives had been
spent, having attachments here which were hard to be severed.
Sassacus, their sachem, who no longer wielded the influence
among them that he previously had done, with a remnant of
his recently powerful tribe, fled westward. They were pursued
and overtaken by the English, and, in the furious battle of
Fairfield swamp, their numbers were again largely reduced.
Sassacus, at length, sought refuge among the Mohawks of
Eastern New York, and among them he ended his career, a
victim of the treachery of those in whom he had confided. The
remnants of the tribe, which lingered about here in the regions
which they had previously occupied, for a considerable time,
were not allowed to organize and live together as a tribe, legt
they might again assume hostile relations, and become an an-
noyance to the English settlers. The way in which some of
them were disposed of is described in the following extract from
Hollister's History of Connecticut : "On the twenty-first of
September, 1637, only about three months after the battle of
Fairfield swamp, Uncas, the sachem of the Mohegans, Mian-
tinomoh, the sachem of the Narragansetts, with representatives
of the Pequots, met the magistrates of Connecticut at Hartford.
About two hundred of the vanquished tribes were to be disposed
of in some way. A treaty was then entered into between Con-
necticut, the Mohegans, and the' Narragansetts. By its terms
there was to be perpetual peace between these two tribes and
the English. If the subjects of either tribe did wrong, the in-

254 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

jured party promised not to take summary justice into its own
hands, but to appeal to the Enghsh. Then, with imposing cer-
emonies, the magistrates divided the remnant of the Pequots
among the chiefs of the other tribes. To Uncas, their favorite,
they gave one hundred; to Miantinomoh eighty; to Ninigret,
sachem of the eastern Nehantics, twenty. These poor crea-
tures, thus given over to their enemies and subjected to the
bitterest taunts, were to be called Pequots (powerful ones) no
more, nor were ever to dwell in their old haunts or pay their
wonted visits to the burial places of their dead, or meet on
festal days to revive the traditions of their people around the
embers of the council fire." (I. 71, 72.) Of course they were
not at all satisfied with the arrangement ; and as the years went
by it became more and more irksome to them. They could ill
endure the treatment received from the chiefs in whose hands
they had been placed. They were frequently at variance with
them and as frequently appealing to the English people for re-
dress of grievances. At length, in the year 1655, seventeen
years after their defeat at Mystic, they were permitted again
to settle on their old territory, and to maintain tribal existence
in two separate bands, one located in Groton, the other in
Stonington. Cassacinamon became the successor of Sassacus,
as the head of the Groton band (which was the larger of the
two), and Hermon Garret the head of the Stonington band.
Their privileges were at first a good deal restricted, but were at
length gradually enlarged, and more definitely defined, until
after a while they assumed pretty nearly the form in which they
exist to-day. The Groton Pequots in due time had a reserva-
tion of two thousand acres set apart for them, in the north part
of the town, to which the name of Mushantuxet was given.
The Stonington Pequots had a reservation of two hundred and
eighty acres given them on the east side of Lantern Hill. The
reservation in Groton (now Ledyard) has from time to time
been reduced in size, until at present it contains only about one-
tenth as much as it did at first. The permanent fund, created by
the sale of their land, amounts at the present time to about six

THE PEQUOT INDIANS. 255

thousand dollars. The annual incotme of it is expended for the
benefit of the Indians.

Though the Pequots were so signally and thoroughly de-
feated in their first decisive conflict with the English, they did
not remain in permanent antagonism to their conquerors. On
the contrary, they entered, in the course of a few years, into
alliances with them and rendered important assistance in several
difficult and trying emergencies, e. g., in the King Philip War,
and later, in the French and Indian Wars ; and at length in the
Revolution. In the great swamp fight of King Philip's Wa,r,
which occurred in 1675, it has been stated that "they performed
prodigies of valor under the leadership of Gallup and Avery."
(R. A. Wheeler.) 'When tke French and Indian War broke out
not a few of them enlisted in the service of the English and
Americans and fought against the French, and the Indian tribes
that were assisting them. And in the Revolutionary War a con-
siderable number of them fought in the ranks of the Colonists
against our British oppressors, and several of them laid down
their lives in the service. In the record of deaths that occurred
in North Groton (now Ledyard), in the year 1776, I find nine
Indian names, and it is stated upon the record that "These nine
natives all died in the army this year." The same record for 1778
contains the names of six Indians, who died in the army. From
the time of their memorable defeats at Mystic and at Fairfield,
the number of the Pequots had been constantly diminishing.
Immediately after those defeats, in the year 1637, two hundred,
as already remarked, were apportioned to neighbodng chiefs.
This of course did not by any means include all whoi were still
living, as they had scattered in all directions, and taken up their
abodes in a great many dififerent places. Almosit a hundred years
later, in 1731, the tribe, according to one account, numbered one
hundred and sixty-four persons, and the number of wigwams
on the reservation was thirteen. Some eighteen or twenty in-
dividuals were living in English families outside of the reserva-
tion. The reservation at this date contained one thousand seven
hundred and thirty-seven acres. During the next thirty years,
if we may credit the reports that have come down to us, their

256 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

numbers remained about the same that they had been. For in
1762 there were twenty or thirty famihes containing one hun-
dred and sixty-seven persons.

In the year 1766 a committee, appointed by the State to ex-
amine and report on their condition, stated that they found one
hundred and fifty-one Indians hving on the lands at Mushantuxet,
of whom about half were under sixteen years of age. All were in
poverty-stricken circumstances, and many were widows whose
husbands had died or been killed in the colonial armies during
the late wars in Canada. Their houses were chiefly within a
mile square ; their land was by no means the best ; yet some of
it was good and cultivated after the English fashion. There was
a small school-house in which one Hugh Sweetingham was now
teaching, having been hired for that purpose at twelve pounds a
year by the Missionary Society in England. From the same
source Rev. Mr. Johnson (pastor of the Congregational Church
near by) received six shillings and eight-pence for every sermon
which he preached to the Indians. A considerable number of the
Pequots were willing to hear the Gospel and send their children
to school, but were generally so poor that they could not provide
them with decent clothing for thalt purpose. The committee ex-
pended the twenty pounds which they had been authorized to
draw from the colonial treasury in buying clothing and school-
books for these children, and they stated in their report to the
Assembly that further appropriations would be needed in the
winter. The compensation of the teacher, Mr. Sweetingham,
was, in their opinion, insufficient, and so also was that of Mr.
Johnson who preached tO' them, especially as he attended the
Indians in sickness an'd at funerals. Accordingly twenty pounds
additional were appropriated in O'ctober, 1766, for the benefit of
the Pequot children, five pounds to Rev. Mr. Johnson, and four
pounds to increase the salary of Mr. Sweetingham the teacher.
(De Forest 438.) In the year 1786 a large number of Pequots,
with a few Mohegans, accompanied by Indians from other parts
of Connecticut, from Rhode Island, and from Long Island, re-
moved to Oneida County, N. Y. ; and, by invitation of the Six
Nations, settling on some of their unoccupied lands, formed the

THE PEOUOT INDIANS. 257

nucleus of what has since been known as the Brothertown Tribe.
A prominent actor in this moivement was Samson Occum, a
native of Mohegan, who had been educated and regularly in-
ducted into the gO'Spel ministry. As we come down into^ the
present century we find the numbers of this ever-diminishing
tribe very much smaller than they had been reported previously.
In 1820, e. g., only fifty are reported as belonging to- them. In
1832, the number has fallen to about forty. In 1848, their over-
seer,* Col William Morgan, gave their numbers as twenty-eight,
of whom twenty lived in Ledyard and the remaining eight in
other places. At the present time there are eighteen persons.
In my boyhood the wigwams of earlier years had all disap-
peared. There were, I think, about half-a-dozen houses, rather
small, but fairly comfortable, standing in what we then and ever
since have called "Indian Town." In these houses were living
some twenty or thirty persons. Some of them were full-blooded
Pequots. A large portion, however, had more or less white or
negro blood in them. And so^me had scarcely any Indian blood
whatever. Evidently they were not very particular as to the
race with which they commingled and amalgamated. One pure-
blooded Indian man, I remember, wliO' had a pure-blooded white
wife. And one man, who was about half Indian and half white,
had at one time a white woman (for, I believe, he was never
married), after that a full-blooded squaw, and finally, a fuU-
blooded negress. Marriage, in the proper sense of the word,
was not very strictly observed among them, neither was it en-
tirely ignored. As a general thing one man and one woman
would, by mutual consent, take each other for better or foT worse.
And they would live together as long as they conveniently could ;
then they would quarrel and separate. After a while they would
come together again ; or each would look out a mate for himself
or herself elsewhere. Some, however, who wished to be some-
what like white folks, would be married in accordance with the
laws of the Commonwealth; and frequently would keep their
marriage vows as sacredly as any of their white neighbors.

*Previoxis overseers were Henry Hallett and Gurdon Bill.
17

258 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

One of the leaders in this remnant of the Pequots at "Indian
Town," was Mark Daniels. He lived at the northerly end of the
reservation near Capt. Henry Hallett's farm. He occupied the
most pretentions of the dwellings and was very friendly with
the English residents. He was a convert to the Christian church
and it was at his house that "meetings" of local preachers and
exhorters were held. He frequently led such meetings himself
and was a man quite generally respected. He was of mixed
blood, though recognized as a member of the tribe, and as prev-
iously stated, pure-blooded members were few. 'An amusing
anecdote relating to this man occurred years ago. A certain
medical student and practitioner embarked in the patent medi-
cine business, and among his printed recommendations was one
from "Rev. Mark Daniels." The people who knew the parties
smiled rather broadly, but its value as an indorsement increased
in proportioin to the distance from the particular locality. Poor
Mark was innocent, doubtless, but the medicine-man flourished
and became both famous and wealthy and from this slender
foundation, in part.

The decline of the tribe, which has already proceeded so^ far
as to threaten its entire extinction at no distant day, is parallel
with what has occurred to many other tribes in different parts
of the country. Even in places where there has been no serious
collision between them and the whites, as was the case at New
Haven and Philadelphia, the same thing has happened. -This
decline has resulted from various causes. Prominent among
them has been the fact that they were a conquered people, and
all the ends for which they had been accustomed to live were
utterly defeated. More than this, "civilization" brought among
them temptations to which they easily gave place, and this, in
many cases, was the utter ruin of them. The use of intoxicating
liquors soon became a besetting sin with them. And further,
the diseases of dissolute white people, when introduced among
them, were often terribly destructive. They did not have the
medical skill at hand to resist them and hence became easy
victims.

THE PEQUOT INDIANS. 259

But a few words about the employments of these people, after
they were conquered by the English. Of course they hunted
and fished as they had done. But I do not remember many of
them who were specially fond of these pursuits. They tilled the
soil to a limited extent, but in all the cases that I can recall it
was very limited ; the work was very imperfectly done and with
the moist indifferent results. 'An Indian's corn-field was to me a
thing unknown ; and an Indian's garden was anything but a
model for others to goi by. But, while they did not like very
much to work for thetaselves, they were often excellent help
when employed tO' work for others. Some of them I recall as
good farm-hands, especially w'hen employed for a few days at a
time, If engaged for a month or for several months the quality
of their services would often deteriorate before the close of the
time, and, likely as not, they would break their engagement by
leaving in the very midst of some piece of work toi which they
did not happen to take a liking, thus causing their employers
great inconvenience, perhaps considerable pecuniary loss. The
women, too, were often excellent servants in the household, and
were more or less frequently employed by families living in the
neighboirhood. Occasionally an Indian boy or girl was bro'Uight.
up in a white family, and sometimes with good results toi all con>-
cemed. In such cases the Indian children often took the niames
of the families with which they lived. And this accounts, in part
at least, for the fact that so many have borne the names of white
people, their Indian names having been practically forgotten.
One employment and a source of revenue tO' which many of them
were accustomed was basket-making. In this employment they
often developed a good deal of skill, and in some instances a fair
degree of industry. They made baskets of all shapes and sizes,
from tiny ornamental ones holding only a pint or even less up to
strong oaken baskets for farm use, holditig one or two bushels
apiece. I remember, . when I was quite a small boy, one Ann
Wampy used to make an annual trip in the early spring past my
home up through' Preston City, Griswold and Jewett City, selling
the baskets she had made during the previous winter. When
she started from her hotae she carried upon her shoulders a

26o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

bundle of baskets so large as almoist to hide her from view. In
the bundle would be baskets varying in size from a half-pint up
to five or six quarts, some made of very fine splints, some of
coarse, and many skilfully ornamented in various colors. Her
baskets were so good that she would find customers at almost
every house. And after traveling a dozen or twenty miles and
spending two or three days in doing it her load would all be gone.
Then she would start on her homeward journey, and, sad to
relate, before she had reached her home a large part of what
she had received for her baskets would have been expended for
strong drink. Akin to basket-making was the making of wooden
trays, bowls, ladles and spoons which they carried about and
sold from house to house as they could find buyers. Many of
the young men enlisted in the whaling business which was then
carried on very vigorously from the port of New London. Sev-
eral, whom I knew, became boat-steerers and harpooners on
whale ships, and as such their services were highly prized by
their employers. Sometimes one of them would return from a
long voyage with several hundred dollars in his pocket, and
frequently, instead of laying it away for future needs or investing
it in a comfortable home, would spend it all in a few weeks in
lavish generosity or gross dissipation. From the time that the
Pequots were settled upon their reservation in 1655 on to 1740,
a period of eighty-five years, they had leaders from their own
number invested with a sort of governmental power over them.
Each of these leaders had one or more assistants. And then,
too, at length there was a white man, sometimes two white men,
appointed in each of the two bands, to give advice and assistance
to these native rulers. As the years went by, and those who had
filled these official positions passed away, and others were called
to take their places, the governmental power seemed gradually
to slip away from the hands of the Indian leaders and slip into
the hands of the white leaders, until, in the year 1740, Scadaub,
the last of the Groton band, who held the office of governor or
sachem, died. Since then the ruling power has been for the most
part in the hands of a white overseer, who is appointed by the
Superior Court.

THE PEQUOT INDIANS. 261

A few words in regard to the religion of the Pequots, or
rather of the great Algonquin race to which they belonged ; for
what was true of one tribe was true of another in this matter
throughout all this part of North America, at the time that the
European nations began to settle among them. Generally
speaking they were a very superstitious people. But they were
not idolaters. They believed in one Great and Good Spirit, who
ruled over the world and who dealth with men according to their
deserts, bestowing good upon the upright and inflicting evil
upon the wickeid. 'They believed also in a Spirit of Evil, or rather
in a considerable number of such Spirits, standing closely con-
nected with the various calamities which are wont to' come upon
the children of men. Practically, they interested themselves
much more in the doings of these numerous Evil Spirits than
in the doings of the one Great and Good Spirit. The former
must be propitiated that the evils of which they were the authors
might be averted; but the latter was so good, so averse to- evil
of every sort that he would deal kindly with them whether they
took special pains to please him or not. They believed in a
future life, which would be a life of happiness to the good, of
wretchedness to the bad ; though they conceived of happiness in
the one case and wretchedness in the other as consisting in just
about the same things that they enjoyed and sufifered in the
present life. An anecdote, which I have met with in my reading,
will illustrate this point. A young Indian of the Ojibwa tribe,
while sleeping one night in the open air, had a dream. 'He
dreamed he saw a very beautiful female come down from the
clouds and stand by his side. Calling him by name, she said, "I
am come for you, step in my tracks." The young man did so,
and presently felt himself ascending above the tops of the trees ;
he mounted up, step by step, in the air and through the clouds.
His guide at length passed through an orifice and he following
her found himself standing on a beautiful plain. A path led to
a splendid lodge. He followed her into it. This was her home
and the only occupants of it were herself and her brother, who
just then was absent. Upon his return the young visitor was
united in marriage to the beautiful damsel and became exceed-

262 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

ingly happy in this relationship. Every thing in his situation
and surro'undings was eminently congenial to him. There were
flowers on the plains. There were bright streams. There were
green valleys and pleasant trees. There were gay birds and
beautiful animals, but they were not such as he had been accus-
tomed to see. This was indeed but a dream, and from it the
dreamer presently awoke; but it was a dream which accorded
very nearly with the general belief of the Aborigines in regard
to the future life of those who are upright and good.

When our ancestors came here it was very natural that they
should present to the natives the Christian religion and recom-
mend it as much superior to that which they possessed. Their
efforts were often attended with a good deal of success. The
labors of Elliot, the Mayhews, and others, who preached the
gospel to these natives and giathered them in schools where they
were instructed in the rudiments of human learning, and into
churches where the gospel was preached and the ordinances ad-
ministered, these labors, with the happy results of them, form a
bright page in our early New England history. 'But when, at
length, alienations sprang up between the Whites and the In-
dians, and especially after war had broken out and a number of
battles had been fought, with the most disastrous results to- the
Indians, they became mbre or less averse to the religion which
was offered by those who had brought such disasters upon them.
As a rule those who embraced the Christian religion were not
very stable. Too often was it true that their goodness was as
the morning cloud and as the dew that goeth early away. There
were, however, some very bright and beautiful exceptions to this
remark, examples of piety which were exceptionally excellent.
In the Great Awakening of 1740 and adjacent years the Indians
as well as others were specially interested and considerable num-
bers of them were gathered into the churches. (De Forest.)

The history which we have thus outlined is indeed a sad
history. Still we may, if I mistake not, recognize in it an over-
ruling Providence,

"From seeming evil still educing good.
And better thence again, and better still,
In infinite progression,"

THE PEQUOT INDIANS. 263

In the events which we have reviewed, many of which it is
exceedingly painful to contemplate, we see how He who doeth
according to his will, in the army of heaven and among the in-
habitants of the earth, causes the wrath of man to praise him and
restrains the remainder thereof, illustrating moist forcibly the
truth of a declaration of the famous Indiaii chief, Tecumseh, of
the Shawnee tribe, who, in the early part of the nineteenth cen-
tury, contended long and earnestly for the permanent establish-
ment of his people against the encroachments of the Whites, but
was at last convinced of the folly of his efforts. Some of the
words which he uttered, not long before his death, were:

"All dreams of perpetuating savage life in opposition to civili-
zation are futile. Civilization produces a dense population. It
is not desirable that a savage race, which spreads itself thinly in
squalid hunting banids, should possess a fertile country capable of
supporting one hundred times as many people in the comfort
and enlightment of civilization."

ORDER FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PEQUOT
RESERVATION, 1720-1.

Whereas at town meeting holden in Groton february the 13
Day 1720-1, there was a Committee chosen to perambulate with
ye proprietors y^ . . . . to y^ common or undivided Land
in said Groton & also to set out to the Pequot Indians a sufifi-
cencie of Land for there use &c pursuent to said vote we whose
names are here under written a Committee as aforesaid do set
out to y^ Pequot Indians their Heirs and Successors all the west
part of ye Land w^h is Scituate in Groton and Northward from
Capt. Joihn Morgans new dwelling house in said Groton & ad-
joining on ye North of said Morgans and in part with Saml
Packers Land and in West partly with said Morgans Land and
so Running according to ye foirtner surveigh to ye Northwest
corner bounds as well as all ye Lanid that Butts upon Capt.
Morgans and Saml Packers is set out according to ye ancient
surveigh .... and from s* Noirwest Comer tree to run
according to ye former surveigh on ye North Easterly to gi tree

264 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

standing near ye Cedar Swamp sometimes called a side line tree
and from said tree Southwardly by said Swamp till it comes to
ye Southwardstermost part oi s^ Swamp and from thence South
Eastwardst till it comes to a Rock w^^ stone Laid on't and a Chest-
nut bush or stoddle standing by s* Roick marked and also two
springs of water arising out of ye Earth under s^ Rock and run-
ning East and ye other west said Rock being about ninety Rods
Eastward of Samuel Packer Jun^ his new dwelling house in said
Groton said Land by Estimation being one Thousand acres ye
Pequot Indians shall have full Liberty of Farming & planting
or Living upon said Land and of their Orchards. They bearing
ye Damage yt shall or maybe due them by the English Creotures
by meens of ye Insufficiency of their fence the summer feed of ye
above said Land which said Indians do not see .... feed
to belong to said Town of Groton and of their fields after Indian
harvest and ye above said Indians are to have & shall have the
use of their Orchards w^h stands on ye Eastward part of the Land
which they had fomerly Liberty of planting of near Lanthorn hill
till they or any of them see cause to sell said trees or said trees
shall Dye and further we do agree and order yt there shall be Six
hundred acres of Land part on ye hills Eastwardly from Pine
Swamps and part on Walnut hill which when it is Layed out shall
be for ye use of ye Pequot Indians to plant and Live on if they
see cause and ye herbage thereof for ye use of ye Town of Groton
as above said in Coufirmation whereof we have hereunto^ set our
hands and seals, this 20 Day of March in ye Seventh year of his
Majestie's Reighn Anno Dommin 1720-1.

Signed Sealed in NEHEMIAH SMITH, (L. S.)

Prence of JOSHUA BILL, (L. S.)

SAML AVERY, NICHOLAS STREET, (L. S.)

JOHN MORGAN, SAML LESTER, (L. S.)

Committee.
[From Book i, of Groton Records.]

CHAPTER XV.
The Norwich & Worcester Railroad.

The Norwich & Worcester is one of the oldest railroads in
the country. A few, however, are a little older. Among them
are the Hartford & New Haven, and the Boston & Worcester.
The building of this last named road, begun in 183 1, and pushed
through in the early thirties, hastened the building of the Nor-
wich & Worcester; though the project was by no means a new
one, a survey of the route having been made as early as 1824.

On the eighth day of October, 1835, the ceremony of break-
ing ground for the road was observed in Norwich ; and it was
one of the most demonstrative affairs of its kind that the city
has ever witnessed. A procession, formed and started on Frank-
lin Square, completed its march on ground prepared for public
services at Greeneville. Here a large platform had been erected,
upon which the officials and the invited guests were seated.

Of all the noticeable things in the procession the most no-
ticeable perhaps was a large vehicle, drawn by six white, horses,
and loaded with ariticles manufactured on the line of the proposed
road.

Some idea of the magnitude of the demonstration may be
obtained from the following statement of an eye-witness : "The
military marched eight abreast, and the citizen's four abreast.
When the military arrived at the platform in Greeneville, the rear
of the procession had not left Franklin Square."

At the stand in Greeneville, Hon, Chiarles Rockwell pre-
sided. The first speaker was the Hon. Calvin Goddard, of Nor-
wich. He was followed by Hon. James Brewster, of New Haven,
and others.

The speeches being ended, the breaking of ground was begun.
Mr. John Breed, with a polished pick, struck the first blow, Mr.

266

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

George L. Perkins manned the wheel-barrow. Other prominent
citizens, with spades and shovels and hoes performed the several
parts that had been assigned to them.

The road was completed in 1839; the first passenger cars run
from Noi-wich to Worcester in November of that year; the ex-
tension to Allyn's Point finished in 1844.

The Gale's Febrt R. R. Depot.

The first president of the road was William C. Gilman ; the
treasurer for many years, George L. Perkins. The name of the
first engine was the Norwich.

The extension of the road from Allyn's Point to Groton was
completed in the spring of 1899; and public ceremonies in com-
memoration of the event were held on Saturday, June 3, of that
year. A special train left Norwich for New London at 3.00 p. m.,
and returned at 5.30. It consisted of six cars, filled with rail-
road officials and invited guests. A procession was formed and
marched through the streets of New London. Public services,
with music and speeches, were held in the depot in that city.

THE NORWICH & WORCESTER RAILROAD. 267

ITiose who were specially interested in the road during the
earlier stages of its history were very enthusiastic in regard to
its prospects. Statements, made with the sanction of the di-
rectors, in the winter of 1840-41, contained the following lan-
guage :

"The officers of the road moiSt confidently anticipate that the
dividends of the stockholders, after paying all expenses and in-
terest on the loans of the company, will be 10 or 15 per cent,
per annum."

As a matter of fact, the stock which was taken at par de-
preciated till it became worth less than 20 per cent.

APPENDIX.

MEMORIAL OF SEPARATISTS OF PRESTON, NORTH

GROTON, NORWICH AND STONINGTON TO THE

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF CONNECTICUT,

OCTOBER, 1751.

To the Honorable General Assembly of the Colony of Conn.,
to be convened at New Haven in said Colony, on the Second
Thursday of Oct., A. D. 1751 : The memorial of John Avery
and others, the subscribers, herewith humbly showeth that your
memorialists live, some of us within the First, and some of us
within the Second Ecclesiastical Society of the town of Pres-
ton, some within the Second Society in Groton, and some few
within the Fourth Society in Norwich, and some in the Second
Society in Stonington, that we are that one of the very many
Sects of professors of Christianity that are commonly called
Separates from all the Churches and Religious Societies within
whose limits we live; that we settled according to the present
establishment of this Government, that our habitations are
generally compact, none of us living more than 7 or 8 miles
from the place of our public meetings, and most of us within
2 miles, that the number of families is about 40, and the nun\ber
of souls about 300, of which there are more than 50 church
members, all belonging to our communion and of our Profes-
sion, that we have at our own cost settled a Minister and buih
a Meeting-house for Divine Worship, and have long since been
embodied into Church estate, that nevertheless we axe com-
pelled to pay toward the support of the Ministry and for the
building of Meeting-houses in the Societies from which we have
.respectively separated and dissented as above, and for our
neglect to make payment for such rates we have many of us
been imprisoned, others have had their estates torn and sold

2^0 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

to the almost ruining of some families. We entreat the atten-
tion of this Honorable Assembly, and pray your Honors to
suffer us to say that we always have. and for the future most
cheerfully shall contribute our proportion toward the support of
Civil Government. And we not only prize and value but
humbly claim and challenge our right in the immunities of the
present Constitution. Our Religion and Principles are no ways
subversive of Government ; and we are not only inclining but
engaging to support it. And there is no difference between
us and other members of the community, but what is merely
Ecclesiastical. In which respect also they differ one from an-
other, and the whole Christian world no less. Our religious
sentiments and way of worship no ways effect the State. We
are as industrious in our business and as punctual in our con-
tracts as if we were Anabaptists or Quakers, and we challenge
to hold, enjoy and improve what is our own by the same rules
and laws as all other Denominations of Christians do. "And
we suppose there is in the nature of things no reason why we
should not maintain and support any religion or any way of
worship which we ourselves embrace and profess to receive the
advantage of, and that nobody has the right to impede or hinder
us in that way of worship which in our consciences we think
to be right for us. In all matters civil we are accountable to
the State. So in all matters of worship we are accountable to
Him who is the object of it, to whom alone we must stand or
fall ; and on these Brimciples are founded all acts of toleration.

•Your Memorialists therefore humbly entreat the interposi-
tion and protection of this Honorable Assembly, that your
Honors would order and grant that your Memorialists and all
such as adhere to or shall be joined with and attend the public
worship with them may for the future be released and ex-
empted from paying taxes for the building of Meeting-houses
and for the support of the Ministry in any of the Societies from
which we have separated within the compass of 8 miles from
the place of our public meetings, or such other limits as your
Honors shall see fit ; or that your Honors would grant us the
same ease and liberty as by law are provided for the ease of

APPENDIX. 271

Anabaptists and Quakers, or otherwise grant such rehef as in
your wisdom you shall judge just. And your Memorialists are
ready to qualify themselves according to the act of toleration,
and, as in duty bound ever pray.

Dated the tenth day of September, A. D. 1751.

Hezekiah Parke, Rachel Parke,

John Avery, Joseph Witter,

Robert Parke, John Brewster,

John Kimball, Thomas Woodward,

Benajah Parke, Beriah Grant,

Samuel Palmer, Joshua Grant,

Jacob Kimball, Park Woodward,

Joseph Tyler, Zebulon Button,

Zebulon Parish, - James Parke,

David Tracy, Jr., Daniel Thomas,

Lemuel Tracy, Moses Meech,

Josiah Parke, Silas Parke,

Aaron Meech, Ephraim Jones,

Peter Yerrington, Christopher Tracy,

Paul Parke William Randal,

Thomas Gates, Rozzil Parke.
Prudence Kimball,

ORDER TO SHERIFF RESPECTING PRESTON SEPA-
RATISTS.

To the Sherifif of the County of New London, his Deputy
or either of the Constables of the towns of Norwich, Groton,
Preston and Stonington, all within said County, greeting.

In his Majesty's name you are commanded to summons the
inhabitants of the First and Second Societies of the said town
of Preston, the inhabitants of the Second Society in the town
of Groton, and the inhabitants of the Fourth Society of the
town of Norwich, and the inhabitants of the Second Society of
the town, of Stonington, that they appear before the General
Assembly of the Colony of Conn., to be convened at New Haven
in said Colony on the second Thursday of Oct. next, viz. that

272 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

they appear before said Assembly on the Tuesday next after
said Thursday to show reason, if they have any, why the
prayer of the foregoing Memorial should not be granted, and
you are to summons the inhabitants by leaving a true and at-
tested Copy of the foregoing Memorial and this Citation with
the Clerk of each of said Societies respectively at least 12 days
before Tuesday; herein fail not and make due return.

Dated at New London on the 2nd day of Sep., 1751.

THOMAS FITCH, Dep.-Gov.
A true Copy.

Test, JEDEDIAH TRACY, said Sherifif's Deputy.

APPENDIX. 273

ORDER FOR THE LAY OUT OF THE PRINCIPAL

HIGHWAY LEADING FROM CENTRE GROTON

TO PRESTON TOWN LINE IN 1723.

We the Subscribers being Select men for this year Anno
Dom 1723 we do appoint Mr. Ralph Stoder to Assist Mr.
Joshua Bill to lay a particular highway fore Rod wide from
the meeting house to the pine swamp Road for the North
people of the Town to come to meeting and also to make satis-
faction to all the proprietors which the said way is laid out
through their land which satisfaction is to be made in Common
or undivided land we the s^ Select men 'having sufficient power
to lay out any particular ways when it is wanting in our town.
Groton October ye 21: 1723: JOSHUA BILL

SAME LESTER
JOHN AVERY
NICHS STREET
Entered Rec^ Oct. ye 24, 1723. Selectmen.

The road laid out under this order is supposed to be
that leading from Centre Groton North to the Preston line,
leading to and over the present, so-called. Meeting-house hill,
and by the "Bill Parsonage" to the then Pine swamp near the
town line of Preston, and passed the Pequot reservation. This
highway divides pretty nearly the town of Ledyard into two
equal parts.

18

274

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

NAMES OF SCHOOL TEACHERS, SIXTH SCHOOL

DISTRICT.

1836-37 — Eleazer Williams.
1837-38 — Eleazer Williams.
1838-39 — Oliver Chapman.
1839-40 — Stephen Billings.
1840-41 — Hibberd R. Norman.
1841-42 — Hibberd R. Norman.
1842-43 — Sanford B. Smith.
1843-44 — Erasmus Avery.
1844-45 — Erasmus Avery.
1845-46 — Stephen H. Norman.
1846-47— Wm. M. Gray.
1847-48— Jacob A. Geer.
1848-49 — Dwight A. Satterlee.
1849-50 — Isaac E. Gates.
1850-51 — David Geer.
1851-52— John G. Ball.
1852-53 — Wm. H. Shepard.
1853-54 — David Geer.
1854-55 — Simeon Gallup.
1855-56 — Geo. Fanning.
1856-57 — Cyrus F. Cook.
.1857-58 — Samuel N. Hallett.
1858-59— Thos. P. Norman.
1859-60 — Geo. Fanning.
1860-61 — Geo. Fanning.
1861-62 — ^John D. Brewster.
1862-63 — Thos. P. Norman.
1863-64 — Wm. H. Stanton.
1864-65 — Mary Ann Williams^
1865-66— Frank N. Whipple.

1866-67 \ ^- ^- ^^"'^'

I Geo. Fanning.

1867-68 — Geo. Fanning.

1868-69 — Cyrus T. Peckham.

1869-70 — Samuel N. Hallet.

1870-71 — Anna M. Williame.

1871-72 — Chas. B. Beckwith.

1872-73 — Robert E. Turner.

1873-74 — Eunice A. Geer.

1874-75 — Eunice A. Geer.

1875-76 — Eunice A. Geer.

1876-77 — Eunice A. Geer.

1877-78 — Eunice A. Geer.

1878-79 — Russel Gallup.

1879-80 — Albert Geer.

1880-81— Rev. Chas. Cutting.

i88i-82^Geo. Gray.

1882-83— Nellie W. Geer.

1883-84— Hattie A. Gray.

1884-85— Hattie A. Gray.

1885-86— Hattie A. Gray.

1886-87— John N. Peckham.

1887-88— John N. Peckham.

1888-89— Wm. L. Main.

1889-90 — Wm. L. Main.

1890-91 — Chas. S. Caswell.

1891-92 — Calvin R. Main.

1892-93 — Hattie E. Fanning.

1893-94 — Susan F. Brown.

1894-95 — Susan F. Brown.

1895-96 — Susan F. Brown.

1896-97 — Susan F. Brown.

1897-98 — Susan F. Brown.

1898-99 — Susan F. Brown.

tO^^ ^«„„ 5 Marion Holdredge,
1899-1900 J p , . „ ^ '

( Edwm Gray.

Attest, GEO. FANNING.

APPENDIX.

275

LETTER OF SAMUEL CAPRON TO
COL. BENADAM GALLUP.

Pauquatanock January 3<i 1778
Colo. Gallup

Sir, I am desired by M^. W™. Coit to Call on you to send me
that Subscription that you had to get Subscribers for a Lottery
to Build a Bridge across Norwich River, which must be laid
before the town next Tuesday, and I will wait on you next Mon-
day at 10 o'clock at Lieut Nehemiah Smith's. I would not have
you fail on any account as it is of the Greatest Consequnce with
regard to the Spott where to Sett the Bridge.

From yours &c.

SAMUEL CAPRON.
To Colo. Benadam Gallup.

LETTER OE JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
TO NORMAN B. BROWN.

Mr. Norman B. Brown, Postmaster, Gales Ferry, Connecticut.

Quincy 3 September 1828.
Sir

I duly received your Letter of 9 ulto and Thank you for the
friendly Sentiments expressed in it. The establishment of a
Post Office at the place of your residence I hope and trust is an
indication of its thriving condition, for the continuance of which
as well as for your own prosperity, and that of your family, be
assured of the best wishes of your friend and fellow citizen

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

COMMITTEE APPOINTED TO PERAMBULATE LINE
BETWEEN GROTON AND PRESTON.

At a Towne Meeting holden in Groton April 26th 1709, voted,
— ^that Capt JameS' Morgan and Capt James Avery two of the
selectmen are cliosen to meet with those men that the town of
Norwich and the town of Preston doe inform this town that the
said towne will send this present week to preambulate the line,
between them and us — that is between Norwich and Groton, and

276

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Preston and said Groton. At the same Town meeting voted,
that the above said Capt. James Morgan Mr. George Gears are
fully impowered to preambulate and settel the bounds between
the said Norwich and Groton, and Preston and Groton, pro-
vided the said towns Norwich and Preston give the men they
send the same power, and that the men of Groton secure the
property that the towne of New London purchased of Unkas
that now belongs to Groton —

Attest, NEHEMIAH SMITH, Towne Clerk.

LIST OF PROBATE JUDGES.

Since its incoirporation in 1836 the town has constituted a
Probate District by itself. The following persons have served as
Probate Judges :

Christopher Newton,

Erastus Williams,

Henry W. Avery,

Samuel W. Wood,

Edmund Spicer,

Israel Allyn,

ROLL OF THE FALLEN,

Lieut. Stanton Allyn,
Asa Allyn,
Wm. R. Allyn,
Stephen D. Allyn,
Alexander W. Avery,
Latham A. Bailey,
Joihn G. Ball,
Thomas J. Clark,
William E. Chapman,
Edwin L. Christie,
Thomas H. Frink,
Montgomery Gray,
Gurdon Greene,
Warren A. Lamb,
Augustus E. Maynard,

James A. Billings,
Jacob L. Gallup,-
Nathaniel B. Geer,
John Brewster,
George Fanning,
Russell Gallup.

ON SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.

A. J. Maynard,
Erastus A. Maynard,
George Miller,
Ray Moffit,
Elias Myers,
Moses N. Palmer,
Gurdon Pratt,
Charles L. Perkins,
Samuel C. Rogers,
Rodolph Slater,
William Smith,
Austin Whipple,
Samuel S. Whipple,
Chauncey F. Wilcox.

APPENDIX. 277

CATALOGUE OF DEATHS— 1713-1854.

Soon after this History was begun there were several per-
sons who thought it might be well to preserve upon its pages
a list of the deaths that had occurred, upon the territory cov-
ered by the town, between the date of its settlement and our
own times. The idea was received with favor when suggested
to others, and, presently, arrangements were made to carry it
into efifect.

In order to do this some fifty cemeteries needed to be visit-
ed and the names and dates upon the tomb-stones copied. This
work was cheerfully undertaken, and about thirty persons have
participated in it. In addition to the facts thus secured many
have been obtained from town records, family records and other
sources.

But the most fruitful source of information has been an old
catalogue, published by Ansil Brown in the year 181 5. This old
catalogue, corrected where errors have been discovered and en-
larged by the addition of names that had been overlooked,
covers the period between 1770 and 1813 inclusive.

A large number of Pequot names appear upon the old cat-
alogue ; and it seems fortunate that we can preserve them in
this place, since the race to which they belonged is fast passing
away.

The small number of names which appear under the earlier
dates is quite noticeable, and clearly indicates that our ancestors
in that period erected but few monuments to the memory of
their deceased friends.

It will be noticed that this catalogue closes with the last of
December, 1854. The reason for this is that the town records
begin Jan. i, 1855; and from this time on to the present the
presumption is that every death occuring in the town is re-
corded upon them.

It speaks well for the healthfulness of the place that so
many who have resided in it have attained to great age. Mr.
George Geer, who spent the greater part of his life in it, died at
the home of his daughter in what is now Griswold, in 1726, aged

278 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

105. Mrs. Lucy Turner, relict of Capt. Hawkins Turner, died
March 16, 1809, at the age of 100. Her grave is in the south-
east part of the tbwn, near the village of Old Mystic. Widow
Thankful Avery, who spent most of her life near Poquonnoc,
but probably died at the hottie of one of her children in North
Groton, was loi years old. Her death occurred Jan. — , 1813.
Mrs. Gehannah (now Joanna) Williams, relict of Uriah, died at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Amos Barnes, in the north-east part
of the town, June 10, 1854, aged 99 years and 8 months. Her
grave is near the Baptist church. Mrs. Freelove Turner, relict
of Bushnell Turner, lived in three centuries, the eighteenth,
nineteenth and twentieth. She died Jan. 4, 1901, lacking but
three months of being loi years old. She was a devoted mem-
ber of the Baptist church, and in the cemetery near that church
she was buried.

1713-
Feb. 12 — Abigail Park Avery, wife of Capt. Christopher.

1714.
Mrs. Margaret Williams.

1723.
May I — Samuel Avery, Esq. (59).

1726.
George Geer, in Preston, now Griswold (105).

1738.
Feb. 3 — Mary Stoder (64).

1740.
Hannah (Pequot?) (22).
Prudence Fowler.

1741.
Martha Tyler Geer.

1742.
Cap. Robert Geer (67).

1744-
Aug. 6 — Ralph Stodder, Jun. (49).

1750.
Henry Williams,

APPENDIX.
1751-

Oct. 10 — James Smith (77).

1752.
Feb. 19 — Lucy Avery, wife of James,' 3rd (21).
Samuel Fox.

1753-
Capt. Christopher Avery (73).
Jan. 3i^ohn Sholes (76).
Dec. 17— Ralph Stoddard (87).

1755-
Sept. 30 — Lieut. Benadam Gallup (63).

1759-
Feb. 2 — Eunice Gallup, wife of Benadam (63).
March 14 — Edward Avery (84).
April 30 — Lois Gallup, daughter of Benadam (3).

1760.
April 6 — Roibert Allyn (63).
April 10 — Jonathan Stodard, son of Ralph (29).
April 21 — Dea. Ebenezer Allyn (61).

1761.
Jan. 3 — Joanna Avery, wife of Edward (82).
May 5 — John Hurlbut (61).

1763.
Aug. 28 — Ebenezer Geer (54).

1769.
Sept. 14 — Saxton Allyn, son of John (2).
Dec. 31 — Luther Allyn, son of Robert (3).

1770.
Feb.^Joseph Fox iyj).
March — Sarah Rose, relict of Joseph (88).
March — Ezekiel Turner (70).
July — Nathaniel Brown (80).
Oct. — Eunice Stoddard, wife of Wait (20).
Nov. — Abigail Gallup, daug'hter of Col. Benadam (8).
Dec. — John Gallup, son of Col. Benadam (17),
Dec. — James Gallup (22).

279

28o HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

I771.

Jan. — Elkanah Stoddard (27).

Jan. — Hannah Gallup, daughter of Col. Benadam (27).

Ansel Gates (34).

Feb.— Capt. John Morgan (71).

March — Robert Stoddard (71).

Oct. — Mary Brown, wife of Nathaniel (53).

Dec. — Joseph Morgan (34).

1772.
Feb. — William Morgan (26).
May — Child of Joshua George (a native).
June^ — Eleazer Allyn, son of Dea. Joseph (4 months).
Nov. — Ann Geer, daughter of Jacob (2).
Dec. — Phebe Bellows, daughter of John (10).
Dec. — John Stanton, son of Samuel (i).

1773-
Jan. — Richard Williams, son of Isaac (i).
Jan. — Elijah Newton (40).
Jan. — William Avery, at Gaudaloupe (27).
Jan. — Luther Allyn (39).

Feb. — Ephraim Morgan, son of Dea. Shapley (5).
March — Stephen Allyn (23).

March — Thankful Smith, daughter of Lt. Nehemiah (2).
March — Ebenezer Morgan (21).
March — Daniel Morgan, son of Dea. Shapley (3).
May — Hannah Sterry, daughter of Samuel (19).
June — Jacob Allyn (39).
July — Joseph Latham (70).
Sept. — Phebe Hurlbutt, wife of Stephen (37).

1.774-
Jan. — Sarah Woodbridge, daughter of Paul (24).
May — Reuben Pelton.
Sept. — Elizabeth Leads (66).
Oct. — Cyrus Allyn, son of Thomas (3).

1775-
Cyrus Whipple (21).
James Park.

APPENDIX. 281

1 775 — Continued.
Noah Whipple.
Sept. — James Worden, Jr. (22).

1776.
Daniel Charles.
Jacoib Cocheats.
Isaac Comwas.
Solomon Spiat.

Z Meason L ■'^"^^^ "I'^c "Stives died in the

Thomas Cocheats. army this year.

Charles Charley.
Jacob George.
Segon Thomas.

Jan. — Elizabeth Williams, daughter of Richard.
Feb.— Martha Spicer, daughter of Capt. Oliver (19).
Feb. — ^Allatha Allyn, wife of James (62).

May Capron (80).

May — James Park (53).

May — Christopher Allyn (45).

May — Betsey Charles (a native).

June — Williams Leads, died in New Jersey (17).

Sept. — Luther Geer, died in New York (22).

Sept. — Tabitha Perkins, wife of Dyer (33).

Oct.- — Zephorah Stedman, daughter of John (13).

Oct. — Child of Joshua George (a native).

Nov. — Thomas Cocheats (a native).

Nov. — Wait Stoddard (48).

Nov. — James Allyn (79).

1777.
Jan. — Elkanah Stoddard (27).
Jan.- — Mary Zachney (a native).
Jan. — Child of Mary Zachney.

Feb. — Senshemon (a native).

Feb. — Mary Stoddard (16).
March— Child of John Stedman.
March — Peter Cocheats (a native).
March — Daniel Cocheats (a native).

282 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

I 'j'j'j — Continued.
April — Esther Cocheats (a native).
April — William Morgan (54).
April — Child of Mo>ses Senshemon.
April — James Avery (25).
July — John Perkins.
Aug. — John Stark, in New Jersey (21).
Aug. — Preescilla Stanton, wife of Samuel.
Sept. — Tamer (a native).
Sept. — Mercy Chapman, relict of William.
Oct. — Sarah Woodbridge, wife of Paul (59).
Oct. — Ithamar Bellows (63).
Nov. — Ezekiel Perkins, at Stamford.
Nov. — Michal Williams, wife of Peter (60).
Dec. — Aaron Senshemon (a native).
Dec. — Anny Cogog (a native).
Dec. — ^Silas Pomeat (a native).

1778.
March — Child of Temperance Crank (a native).
April— Josephus Stoddard, son of Ichabod (3).
April — Moses Chrunks (a native).
June — Lucretia Babcock, wife of James.
June — Ebenezer W^illiams, (51).
June — Thomas Williams (26).
July — Christopher Avery (70).
July — David Senshemon (a native).
Aug. — Samuel Geer, Jr.
Aug. — Abigail Senshemon (a native).
Aug. — Simeon Charles (a native).
Sept. — Nathan Gallup, Jr. (24).
Sept. — Sarah Gallup, wife of Col. Nathan (48).
Sept. — Peg Chrunlis (a native).
Oct. — Elizabeth Daniels (a native).
Oct.— Prudence Williams, daughter of Capt. Peleg (5),
Nov. — Benajah Daniels.
Nov. — Thaddeus Bailey, Jr.
Nov. — John Holdridge (22).

APPENDIX. 283

1 778 — Continued.
Paul Woiodbridge (71).
Samuel Smith, (70).

Capt. Theophilus Stanton, in the West Indies.
John Toibey.
Janer Charles.
Wampey.

y

These six natives died in the
armv this vear.

Moses George.
Joshua George.
J. Com was.

1779.
Jan.— Mrs. Mary Eldredge (57).
Jan. — John Mason (a native).
April — James Babcock (44).
April — Joshua M. Allyn, son of Elder Rufus (i)'
May — Daniel Charles (a native).
May — Mary Edwards, wife of Charles (47).
May — Sarah Chapman, wife of Amos (50).
Aug. — Lucy Perkins, wife of Jacob.
Aug. — Ashbel Woodbridge, son of Paul (18).
Nov. — Robert Park (83).
Dec— John Stanton, in Providence.
Dec. — ^Joseph Stanton, in Providence.
Dec. — Child of Colhorin Charles (a native).

1780.
Jan. — Anna Giles, relict of John.
Feb. — Lt. Phmeas Bill (about 60).
March — Samuel Stanton (33).
April — Philip Gray (97).
May — Elizabeth Sterry, wife of Samuel (60).
May — Elkanah Morgan, son of Capt. John (23).
July — Mary Morgan (84).
July — Child of Joshua Charles (a native).
Aug. — Robert Avery (24).
Nov. — Mary Allyn, wife of Ebenezer (73).

284

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 780 — Continued.
Dec. — Obadiah Bailey (52).
Dec. — Timothy Lamb (39).
Dec. — Zephaniah Waterhouse, son of Timothy (5).

1781.
Jan. — Woodbury Starkweather (29).
Jan. — Ephraim Meson (a native).
April — Temperance Charles (a native).
June — Anna Otis, wife of Wm. (28).
Aug. — Susannah Comstock (60).
Sept. 6 — Capt. Samuel Allyn (47).
Sept. 6 — Capt. Simeon Allyn (37).
Sept. 6— ^Capt. Amos Stanton (31).
Sept. 6 — Lt. Henry Williams.
Sept. 6 — Lt. Joseph Lewis (41).
Sept. 6 — Ensign John Lester (42).
Sept. 6 — Joseph Moxley.
Sept. 6 — Rufus Hurlbutt.
Sept. 6 — Asa Perkins (33).
Sept. 6 — Simeon Morgan (27).
Sept. 6 — Benadam Allyn (20).
Sept. 6 — John Williams (42).
Sept. 6 — Belton Allyn (17).
Sept. 6 — John Stedtaan.
Sept. 6 — Andrew Billings (22).
Sept. 6 — Thomas Alexander (46).
Sept. 6 — Elnathan Perkins.
Sept. 6 — Luke Perkins.
Sept. 6 — Simeon Perkins.
Sept. 6 — ^Simeon Hill.
Sept. 6-^Nathan Sholes.
Sept. 6 — Moises Jones.
Sept. 6-^Christopher Avery.
Sept. 6 — Thomas Miner.
Sept. 6 — Andrew Baker (26).
Sept. 6 — Josiah Widger.

y Killed at Fort Griswold.

APPENDIX. 285

1 781 — Continued.
Sept. — Abel Chapman, at Bordeaux (22).
Sept. — Mrs. Phebe S. Adams (37).
Sept. — Gurdon Bill, son of Capt. Phineas (15).
Sept. — Hannah Fox.
Sept. — Jabez Allyn, son of James (3).
Oct. — Widow Experience Williams (80).
Nov. — Mary Allyn.
Nov. — Danil E. Stanton (33).
Nov. — Child of Jeffry (a native).

1782.
Jan. — Nathaniel Chapman, son of Dea. Joseph C. (in the army),

(20).
Jan. — Giles Shales, son of John (6).
Jan. — Isaac A. Morgan (at sea) (19).
Jan. — Elisha Morgan, son of John (14).
Jan. — Mary Morgan, daughter of Israel (7 weeks).
Feb. — Sarah Chapman, wife of Joshua.
Feb. — Isaac Williams (at Branford) (25).
Feb. — Robert Meson (a native).
March — John Elderkin (64).
March — James Lamb (49).

March — Polly Turner, daughter of Ezekiel (5 months).
April — Freelove Avery (13).
May — Mary Turner.

June — Susannah Stoddard, wife of Capt. Ralph (59).
July 7 — Elkany Stodder (13).
Aug. — Hannah Latham (69).

Oct. — Clarissa Williams, daughter of Capt. Peleg (5).
Oct. — ^Amos Chapman (21).
Oct. — John Oaks (a native).
Oct. — Thomas Avery. '

Nov. — Lydia Avery.

Nov. — William (a native).

Dec. — Robert Stanton (22). ' ,

286 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

During the year the following;
Mary Geer (and child), wife of Capt. Isaac (45).
Thomas Bellows (on prison ship in New York) (27).
Constant Eady and wife.
Tisdal Eady and wife.

1783.
Jan. — Lucy Allyn, wife of Thomas (41).
March — Daniel Lamb (80).
April — John Cooper (a native).
July — Olive Chapman, wife of Wm.
July — Peter Senshemon (a native).
Sept. — Jaco'b Allyn, son of John.
Dec. — Mary Allyn, daughter of Elder Rufus (i).

1784-
Feb.— Child of Elisha M'allison.
Feb. — George Avery.
March — Squire Avery, son of James.
March — Anna Bailey, wife of Jedediah.
April — Ezekiel Gray, son of Philip, lost at sea (18).
April — Mercy Meson (a native).

April Chunks (a native).

May — David Alvason, (about 80).
May — Capt. Oliver Spicer (48).
July — Elizabeth Wampey (a native).

Aug. — Jack (a negro).

Aug.^William Morgan (31).

Aug. — ^Mathew Brown (54).

Sept. — ^Margery Newton, wife of Abel (40).

Dec. — John L. Avery (24).

Dec. — Benjamin Button, lost at sea (27).

1785-
Jan. — Sarah Rose, wife of Robert (55).
Feb. — Mary Avery, wife of James (42).
March — Timothy Park.
March — Sarah Stoddard, wife of Robert.
April — Hopestel Holley, daughter of Joseph (2).
April — John Morgan (at sea) (35).

APPENDIX. 287

1785 — Continued.
April — Kiali Stoddard.
April — Prudence Allyn (43).

May — Experience Brown, daughter of Dea. William.
May — Jemima Stoddard, wife of Vine (37).

May — Jane , (a negress).

May — Solo'mon Wampey (a native).

June — Simeon Case, of Norwich (52).

June — Nehemiah Packer, son of John (4).

June — Temperance Brown, daughter of Nathaniel (8).

July — Child of Mergan (a naitive).

July — ^Child of John Packer.

Aug. — ^Sarah Stoddard, daughter of Mark (17).

Aug. — Mary Allyn, wife of Trial (37).

Nov. — ^J amies Etheridge (at sea) (41).

Nov. — Child of Joseph Senshemon (a native).

Nov. — Wealthy Shon (a native).

Dec. — Capt. Joseph Morgan (81).

Dec. — Margaret Williams, wife of Wm. (68).

Dec. — Anna Robins (a native).

1786.
Feb. — Widow Mary Stanton (90).
March — Samuel A. Mallison, son of Elisha (drowned) (i).

March — Child of Barnes.

March — Child of Amy Charles (a native).

April — Joshua Smith.

May — ^Grace Adams (a native).

May — Jacob Latham, son of Thos. (4).

June — Child of Capt. Joseph Moxley.

June — Lucretia Avery, daughter of Maj. Daniel (2).

June — Phebe Allyn, daughter of Thomas (8).

July — Sophia Stodd'ard, daughter of Ichabod (6).

July Park, wife of Jacob.

Aug. Brook. *

Sept. — Child of Samuel Simons.

Sept. — ^John Allyn (91).

Sept. — Mary Williams, wife of Saml (60).

288 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1786 — Continued.
Oct. — Samuel Williams (about 80).
Oct. — George Geer (62).

Oct. — Abigail Allyn, daughter of Thomas (8).
Oct.— Elder Rufus Allyn (43).

1787.
Jan. — Prentice Williams, son of Peter (2).
Jan. — Mary Eldridge, wife of Samuel.
Feb. — Margaret Geer, daughter of Amos (12).
March — Mary Stewart, relict of Phineas (83).
March — Isaac Barnes, son of Jesse (5).
March — Mary Billings, wife of Stephen (57).
March — Joannah Allyn, wife of John (76).
March — Christopher Newton, son of Stephen (6 weeks).
April — John Worden, son of Joseph (7).

April Morgan, wife of Joseph.

April — Allyn Baker, son of Daniel.

May — Sarah Jones, wife of John (59).

May — Child of Jonas Senshemon (a native).

May — A negro.

May — Chloe (a negress).

June — Hannah Gallup, daughter of Isaac (7).

June — ^Amos Thomas (at New London).

July — Child of Job Tinker (a niative).

Aug. — Job Tinker's wife (a native).

Sept. — Hanna:h Allyn, daughter of James (2).

Nov.:— Daniel Stark (62).

Nov. — • Senshemon (a native).

Nov. — Anna Adams (a native).

Nov. — Peter Chunch (a native).

Dec. — Deborah Stark, wife of Amos (36).

Dec. — ^Anna Brown, wife of Simeon (28).

Dec. — ^Gapt. Nathan Stanton, lost at sea.

Dec. — David Bellows, lost at sea (27).

1788.
Jan. — Thomas Lester.
Jan. — Hannah Charles (a native) (60).

APPENDIX. 289

1788 — Continued.
Jan. — Nathan Gallup, 3rd, son of N. 2nd (8).

Feb. Tucker (a native).

March' — Jonathan Wood (80).

Feb. Tucker (a native).

April — Widow Doraithy Morgan (71).
April — Elizabeth Barney (a native).

April — Jeffry (a native).

April — Benjamin Debous (a native).

May — Widow Patience Spicer (80).

May — Eunice Perkins, daughter of Jacob (5).

June--WilHam Stark (38).

June — Zerviah E. Stanton (33).

July — Capt. Giles Latham.

July — Abigail Avery.

Aug. — Widow Meson (a native).

Sept. — Lucy Geer, daughter of George G. (19).

Sept. — ^Aaron Senshemon (a native).

Sept. — Sarah" Geer (_2y).

Sept. — Rebecca Whipple, wife of Elijah (34),

1789.
Jan. — George Toby (a native).
Feb. — Joseph Allyn, 2nd, son of Robert (18).
March — Eunice Gallup, daug'hter of Nathan (8).
May — John Toby (a native).
May — Daniel Newton, son of Stephen (2).
July— Bridget Dixson, daughter of John.
July — Lucy Stoddard, wife of Robert (60).
Sept. — Peter Lester (84).
Sept. — Cap. Asa Avery (69.)
Nov. — William Dixson, son of John.
Nov. — Child of Hannah Wampey (a native).
Nov. — Margaret . Spicer.

Nov. — Sarah Stanton, daughter of Amos (14).
Nov. — Jabez Waterhouse (48).

1790.
Feb. — Abigail Geer, wife of Robert (87).

19

290 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 790 — Continued.
Feb. — ^Anna Dick (a native).
March — Lucretia Avery, wife of Asa.
March — Tamer Meson (a native).
April — David Avery (23).
April — A black child.
May — Anna Lester, wife of Peter (80).
May — Capt: Menassah Short.
May — Mary Hurlbutt, wife of John (84).
June — Child of Senshemon (a native).
July — Eunice Brown.
July — Jonathan Latham.

July — Charlotte Bailey, daughter of Thaddeus.
July — John Avery.
Aug. — Gurdon (a negro child).
Sept. — Prime (a negro) (28).

Sept. — Aaron Senshemon, son of Moses (a native) (i).
Oct. — Joseph Williams, 3rd, son of Uriah (5).
Oct. — Eunice Stoddard, wife of Wait (22). 1

Oct. — Joseph Turner, Jr., son of Joseph (i).
Nov. — Capt. John Morgan (62).
Nov. — Widow Sarah Morgan (77).
Nov. — Lucy Billings, daughter of Asa (i month).
Dec. — 'Abigail Wailey (a native).
Dec. — Prudence Avery, relict of John.
Dec. — ^Jacob Charles (a native).
Dec. — Elizabeth (a native).

1791-
Jan. — Jonathan Hiliard (44).

Feb. — Sarah Gallup, wife of Josiah (30).

Feb. — Mrs. Zerviah Niles (81).

Feb. — Mary Lewis (a native).

Feb. — Hannah Cooper (a native).

March — Robert Rose (75).

March — Child of Josiah Squib (a native).

March — Child of Anny Wampey (a native).

March — Child of Moses Senshemon (a native).

APPENDIX. 291

1791 — Contiiiiicd.
April — Daniel Cocheats (a native).
April — Nathan Allyn (79).
May— Daniel Ruff.
June — Child of Latham Gray.

June — Clarissa Williams, daughter of Peter (5 months).
June — Child of Elisha Mallison (3 months).
July — Olive Charles (a native).
July — Anna Enos (a native).
Aug. — Elizabeth Avery, wife of Lt. Theoph. (79).
Aug. — Cato (a negro) (50).
Sept. — James Stoddard (29).
Oct. — John Charles (a native).
Oct. — Charity Stoddard, wife of Jas. S,, 2nd (29).
Nov. — Eunice Gallup, daughter of Isaac (2).
Nov. — Lois Bailey, wife of Thaddeus.

1792.
Jan. — Child of James Avery, Jr.
Jan. — Esther Stoddard, daughter of Elkanah.
Feb. — Deborah Lewis, relict of Joseph (55).
■ April — Christopher Newton (90).
April — Elizabeth Avery. •
May — Jacob Avery.
May — Dolly — < — (a native).
June — Silas Sterry (in West Indies) (20)..
June — Child of Reuben Brown (2 weeks).
July — ^Samuel Avery.
July — William Chapman (8).
Aug. — Child of Timothy Brosset (a native).
Aug. — Keziah Chapman (67).
Sept. — Rebecca Perkins, daughter of Jabez (5).
Oct. — Child of Jacob Geer (3 months).
Dec. — Lucy Davis, wife of Jephtha (44).

1793-
Jan. — Abel Lamb, son of Samuel (9).

Feb. — William Heaith.

March — Daniel Giles (21).

292 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 793 — Continued.
March — Jedediah Bailey, (85).
March — Ezra Hewet (24).
May — Squire Stoddard, son of Robert (7).
June — Mary Perkins, relict of John (75).
July— Mary Stoddard, wife of Jonathan (28).
July — Prince (a negro) (60).
July— John Billings, Jr.
Sept. — John Billings.
Sept. — Dea. William Brown.
Sept. — Caleb Turner, at Wilmington, N. C.
Oct. — David AUyn, son of Nathan (5).
Oct. — Benjamin Charles (a native).
Dec. — Comfort Brown (72).

Dec. — Samuel Gray, son of Thomas B. (11 days).
Dec. — Esther Cocheats (a native).

1794.

Jan. — Mary (a native) (42).

Feb. — Charles Turner, son of Amos (4).

Feb. — Catherine Hallet, daughter of Thomas (6).

March — Nancy Allyn, wife of Robert (33).

March — Samuel Baker (84).

March — Lydia Lamb, relict of John (70).

April — Ebenezer Gallup (38).

May — Tabathy Bill, daughter of Phineas (4).

June — Emily Avery, daughter of Benajah (5 months),

July — Sanford Williams, son of Isaac (3).

July — Je'mima Stark, relict of Daniel (67).

July — Alexander Rose, son of Peleg (6 months).

July — Child of James Etheridge.

July — Frederic Allyn, Esq. (30).

July — Samuel Sterry (at Cadiz) (21);

1795-
Jan. — James Worden (80).
Jan. — William Williams, Esq. (86).
Jan. — Bridget Avery, wife of Benajah.
Jan. — Jonathan Whipple (26).

APPENDIX. 293

1 795 — Contimied.
March — Jacob George (a native).
April — Sarah Charles (a native).
April — Isaac Williams (47).

May — Lucy Avery, daughter of Isaac (10 months).
July — Lydia Allyn, daughter of Samuel (2).
Aug. — Daniel DriscoU (87).
Aug. — Richard Daton (lost at sea) (52).
Aug. — Jonathan Ledyard, son of Daniel (11 months).
Aug. — Peggy (a native).
Aug. — Ruth (a native).
Aug. — Charles Eldridge (75).
Sept. — Hannah H. Allyn, daughter of Robert (i).
Sept. — Phebe Avery, daughter of Isaac (6 months).
Oct. — ^Joseph Williams.
Nov. — ^Austin Avery, son of Amos (2).
Nov. — Mary Smith, daughter of William (10 days).
Dec. — James Eldridge, son of James.
Dec. — Mary Allyn, relict of Ebenezer (61).
Dec— Edward Avery (31).
Dec. — Calvin Bannet (71).

1796.
Jan. — Anna Hanes, wife of Daniel (88).
Jan. — Thomas Latham (at sea) (25).
Jan. — Dorothy Bailey, daughter of Obadiah (30).
Jan. — ^Sampson (a negro).

March — ^Avery B. Stoddard, son of Avery P. (2 months).
March — Eunice Avery, wife of Christopher (80).
April — Lydia Stoddard, wife of Avery P. (23).
May — Thomias N. Niles (56).
June — Jane Bailey, daughter of Thaddeus (4).
July — James Stanton (22).
July — Hannah Bailey, wife of Jedediah (28).
Aug. — John Williams (81).
Sept. — ^Asa Rose (died in England) (22).
Sept. — Christopher Whipple, son of Elijah (2),
Oct, — Hannah Bampin (a native).

294 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 796 — Continued.
Nov. — Levi Chapman, son of Levi (at Port au Prince) (18).
Dec. — Comfort B-rown, Jr. (at sea) (20).
Dec. — Daniel Williams (at sea).
Dec. — Annah Brown.

1797-
Feb. — Cyrus Geer, son of David (5).
April — Margaret Stanton, daughter of Samuel (22).
June — Prudence Geer, relict of Ebenezer (84).
June — James Freeman (a negro).
July — Abigail Smith, wife of Nehemiah (60).
July — Child of Jabez Perkins.
Oct.— Child of Robert Williams.
Dec. — Edward Spicer (75).
Dec. — Avery Bailey (at Wilksbarre) (26).

Dec. Turner, wife of Ezekiel (86).

Dec. — Child of Samuel Wood.

1798.
Feb. — Eunice Stark, daughter of William (14).
Feb. — Billings Stoddard, son of Robert (10 months).
March — Elizabeth Obrien, wife of Barnard (42).
April — Joseph Latham (54).
May— Child of Thomas Hallet.
May— Qiild of Moses Smith.
May — Sally Allyn, daughter of Trial (2).
June — Surviah Lamb, relict of Daniel (90).
June — Clarissa Lamb, daughter of Isaac (3 months).
June — Thankful Worden (83).
July — Lucy Stoddard, wife of Robert (60).
Aug. — Child of Jesse Gallup (4 weeks).
Sept. — Giles Bailey (23).

Oct. — Betsey Eldridge, daughter of James (16).
Nov. — Thankful Stanton, relict of Amos (48).
Nov. — Charles Eldridge, Jr. (55).
Dec. — Prudence Stanton, wife of John.
Dec— John Williams (85).
Dec, — Olive Rose, wife of Robert,

APPENDIX. 295

1798 — Continued.
Dec. — Abigail Spicer, relict of Edward (62).
Capt. John Allyn (60).

1799.
Jan. — Stephen Stoddard, son of James (10).
Jan. — Col. Nathan Gallup (72).
Feb. — Hopsdel Perkins, wife of Christopher (24).
Feb. — Sally Rose, daughter of Robert (16).
Feb. — Prudence Stanton, relict of Capt. John (87).
March — Eunice Morgan, wife of Joseph (33).
June — William Barnes (21).
July — ^John Sholes (86).
July — Ebenezer Brown (74).
July — Hannah Gallup, wife of Benadam (81).
July — Susannali Williams, relict of John (82).
Aug. — Child of Theophilus Halsey.
Aug. — ^Avery Allyn (at Surinam) (22).
Sept. — Israel Geer (at Hampton, Va.).
Sept. — Lieut. Theophilus Avery (91).
Oct. — Nancy Bill, daughter of Joshua (2).
Oct. — Temperance Allyn, wife of Ephraim (48).
Oct. — Temperance Morgan, wife of Wm. (72).
Oct. — Priscilla Bailey, wife of Ransford (24).
Dec. — ^Moses Avery, son of Daniel (at sea) (20).
Dec. — Esther Packer, daughter of John (5).

1800.
Jan. — Jeremiah Etheridge (at Norfolk, Va.) (32).

Jan. Gallup, son of Christopher (8).

March — Nehemiah Packer, son of John (11).

March — Widow Anna Allyn (90).

March — Col. Benadam Gallup (84).

March — Sarah Gallup, daughter of Christopher (2).

April — -Lydia Driscoll, wife of Daniel (74).

May — Seneca Etheridge, son of James (in the East Indies) (15).

June — Child of James Avery, Jr.

June^Nancy Newton (19).

June. — S'abra Gray, wife of Philip (24).

296 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARl).

1800 — Continued.
June — Mary Avery, wife of Dea. Peter (70).
Sept. — Dea. Shapley Morgan (61).
Sept. — Joseph Bailey (57).
Oct. — Daniel Sterry (at St. Vincent) (20).
Abigail Thomas, relict of Daniel (72).
Sarah Barnet, wife oi Calvin (80).
Abigail Smith, wife of Samuel (76).

1 801.
Jan.- — Robert Geer, Esq. (94).
Jan. — Ebenezer Pelton (62).
Feb. — Thervel Bailey, son of Thaddeus.
Feb.- — Deborah Forsyth, wife of Robert (30).
March — Anna Bailey, wife of Thaddeus (73).
March — Jedediah Bailey.
April — Mehitable Spink, wife of Asa (40).
April — Lucy Bill, daughter of Phineas (2'2).
May— William. Sholes (28).
May — Eunice Sholes, daughter of Jonathan (i).
June — Ezekiel Park (in Patagonia) (26).
June — Margery Newton, daughter of Abel (20).
July — Prudence Chapel, wife of Edward, Jr. (29). '
Aug. — Daniel Stark (38).
Aug. — Anna Wampin (a native).
Aug. — Mercy Pettis, wife of Joseph (35).
Sept. — Benjamin Geer (87).
Sept. — Joseph Stoddard (21).

Sept. — James B. Williams, son of William (3 months).
Oct. — Cyrus Geer.

Oct. — Temperance Morgan, relict of Wm. (yy).
Oct. — Samuel Avery (on Staten Island) (20)..
Oct. — Thomas Latham (at Burlington) (56).
Nov. — Simeon Bailey (at Norfolk, Va.) (52.
Nov. — Samuel Sterry, son of William (3).
John Holdridge (40).
Eunice Whipple, wife of Samuel,

APPENDIX. 297

1802.

Feb. — Elizabeth Gallup, wife of Nehemiah.

April — Polly Geer, daughter of Richard (9).

April — Daniel Lamb, son of Isaac (i).

April — Shapley Morgan (38).

April — Philip Gray.

May — John M. Avery, son of John (20).

July — Comfoirt Latham (at City Point) (25).

July — Charles E. Rogers, son of Zabdiel (3 months).

Aug. — Jesse Mainard, Jr., son of Jesse (10).

Oct. — Timothy Crouch, son of Wm. (5).

Oct. — Pollina Darrow (21).

Nov. — Isaac A. Allyn, son of Thomas (17).

Nov. — layman Sholes, son of Jonathan.

Nov. — Thomas Stedman (84).

Dec. — Thomas Geer (37).

Dec. — Noah Bailey.

Dec. — Anna Newton, wife of Mark (59).

1803.
Feb. — Mary Williams, wife of Henry (78).
Feb. — Elizabeth Gallup, wife of Nehemiah (44).
March — Child of Capt. Stephen Newton.
March — Sarah Gallup, daughter of Christopher (2),
April — Bridget Smith, wife of. Job (41).
May — Catherine Enos, daughter of John (2).
May — Thaddeus Bailey (about 60).
June — Elizabeth Bellows, wife of John (73).
June — Patience Chapman, wife of David (83).
June — ^John Stark (31).
July — ^Allyn Turner (at Demerara) (26).
Aug. — Hannah Bailey, wife of Joseph (63).
Sept. — Phebe Williams, daughter of Joseph (4).
Sept. — ^Amos Williams, son of Joseph (7).
Sept. — -Cinthia Williams, daughter of Joseph (11).
Sept.- — -Mark Newton, son of Stephen (9 months).
Oct. — Gershum Brotwn (about 78).
Oct. — Avery Williams (at sea) (21),

298 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 803 — Continued.
Oct. — ^Susannah Williams, daughter of Allyn (2).
Nov. — Polly Chapman, daughter of Obadiah (18).
Nov. — Mark Newton, 2nd (at Shenango, N. Y.) (25).
Nov. — Capt. Henry Williams (88).
Dec. — Elijah Brown (73).

1804.
Jan.— Eunice Smith, daughter of Wm. (i).
Jan. — Daniel Edwards (95).
Feb. — Child of Capt. Joseph Moxley.
Feb. — Child of Capt. Daniel Stoddard.
Feb. — Samuel Williams (in the State of New York) (81).
Feb. — Capt. Oliver Spicer (78).
Feb. — Sarah Allyn, wife of Elder Park (67).
March — Henry Gray.

March — Elizabeth Brown, daughter of Nathaniel (19).
April — Anna Niles (24).
April — Widow Deborah Stoddard.
July — Kindric Brown, son of Daniel (2).
Aug. — Hannah Brown, wife of Nathaniel.
Aug. — Lucy Geer, relict of Robert (51).
Aug. — Dury Fortune (a black woman) (65).
Sept. — Zephorah Bailey, wife of Noah (59).
Oct. — Abigail Gray, daughter of Thomas (2).
Oct.— Rufus Pelton.

Nov. — Elizabeth Allyn, wife of Amos (56).
Nov. — Mark Newton (24).
Nov. — Sarah Hallet, wife of Thomas (42).
Dec. — ^Anna Geer (in New York) (74).

1805.
Jan. — Child of Moses Smith.
Jan. — Thomas J. Spicer, son of Amos (2).
Jan. — Child of Roswell Mallison.
Jan. — Thankful Freeman (black) (26).
Feb. — Elder Park Allyn (73).
Feb. — Frederic Allyn, son of Robert (8).
March— Mary Walworth (24).

APPENDIX. 299

1 805 — Continued.
April — Prudence Allyn, wife of Thomas (43).
May — Erastus Smith, son of John (i).
May — Jerusha Baker, relict of Samuel (89).
May — Eunice Avery, daughter of George W. (2).
May — Betsey Latham, wife of Ebenezer (24).
June — Asa Latham (at Genesee) (23).
June — Jemima Chapman, wife of Joshua.
June — John Jones (73).
June — Child of Obadiah Chapman.
July — Ezra Brown (75).
July^ — Henry Wood (a negro), drowned.
Sept. — Almiren Smith, son of Job (2).
Sept. — Alathea Allyn, daughter of Ephraim (5 mdnths).
Oct. — Mary Williams, relict of John (81).
Oct. — Abigdl Williams, daughter of Roger (2).
Oct. — Shapley M. Williams, son of Roger (4)-.
Oct. — Francis Allyn, son of Ephraim (3).
Nov. — Child of Stanton Hewet.
Nov. — Avery G. Turner, son of David (2).
Nov. — David Chapman (87).
Nov. — Pollina Bailey (at Bequit, Mass.)
Dec. — Ansil Barnes, son of Nehemiah (10).
Dec. — Elizabeth Avery, wife of Jacob (45).
Dec. — Bridget Niles, wife of Silas (25).
Dec. — Nehemiah Barnes, Jr. (21).
Dec. — Sally Chapman, daughter of Levi (23).
Dec. — Sarah Gallup, daughter of Christopher (1^2).

1806.
Jan.— Ambrose Fish (66).
Feb. — Sarah Stedman, relict of John
March — Ruth Brown, relict of Ebenezer (y:^).
April — Lucy Whipple (27).
May — Abigail Chapman, wife of Obadiah (41).
June — Elijah Arthur (at Demerara) (16).
July — Esther Brown, relict of Gershum (70),
July — Nero (a negro) (35).

300 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 806 — Continued.
Aug. — Sarah Hiliard, daughter of Jonathan (22).
Aug. — Bridget Mallison, daughter of Roswell (20).
Aug. — JuHa Williams, daughter of AUyn.
Sept. — Elijah Avery (23).
Sept. — Dan Bailey (24).
Sept. — Child of Nehemiah Gallup (4 weeks).
Oct.^Hannah Hallet, daughter of Thos. (20).
Oct. — John Gardner, son of Stephen (11).
Nov. — Jeremiah Wilbur (about 45).
Nov. — Thomas H. Sholes, son of George W. (3).
Nov. — Elizabeth Chapman, wife of Alpheus.
Nov. — Lathrop Lamb, son of John (i).
Dec- — Ebenezer Perkins (86).
Ezra Obrien (23).
Asa Spink (lost at sea).

1807.
Jan. — Edward Avery, son of Daniel (17).
Jan. — Timothy Lamb (74).
March — Armina Perkins, daughter of Jabez.
April — Roger Williams (43).
April— Robert Stoddard (78).

April — Deborah Morgan, wife of Christopher (58).
July — ^Timothy Lamb, son of Isaac (5).
July — Nathaniel Brown (93).
Aug. — Richard Williams (80).
Aug. — AmoB A. Lester, son of Amos (2).
Sept. — Anna Johnson, wife of Jacob (39).
Sept. — Elisha Arthur (43).
Sept. — Deborah Newton, wife of Agrippa (59).
Sept. — Anna Lester, wife of AmoiS (72).
Oct. — Youngs Turner (at Demerara) (31).
Oct. — Esther Bailey, wife of Isaac (30).
Oct. — Child of Isaac Bailey.
Oct. — William P. Lester, son of Asa.
Oct. — Caroline Smith (23).
Oct, — Thomas Swan (drowned in Thames).

APPENDIX.

301

1807 — Continued.
Nov. — Ichabod A. Stoddard, son of Cephas (3).
Nov. — Child of Simeon Bailey.
Nov. — Lucy Williams, daughter of Rufus (17 days).
Dec. — Lucy Avery, daughter of Isaac, Jr. (3).
Dec. — Northup Niles (44).
Dec. — Dea. Peter Avery (78).
Dec. — Sarah Chapman, wife of Asa (44).
Dec. — Cyrus Leonard (at sea) (25).

1808.
Jan. — Hannah Morgan, relict of Shapley.
Jan.— Hannah Gallup, wife of Henry (76).
Feb. — Hannah Stedm'an, daughter of Benjamin, Jr. (i).
Feb. — Stephen Newbury, son- of Nathan (4).
Feb. — Phebe Discoll, daughter of Asa (9).
March — Tull Freeman (a negro) (90).
March — Esther Bailey, daughter of Amos (5).
March — Jonathan Havens (53).
March — Sarah Bailey, wife of Ezekiel (32).
March — ^Temperance Moses (a black).
March — Mary Rogers, daughter of Zabdiel (4 months).
April — Abigail Lester, wife of Stewart (30).
May — AmoB Lester (80).
May — Elisha Mallison (50).
Sept. — Child of Robert Chapman (6 weeks).
Sept. — Roger Clark (45).

Nov. — Margaret Stedman, daughter of Benjamin (6 months).
Nov. — Amy Chapman, wife of Amos (23).
Dec. — ^James Stedman, 3rd (25).
Dec. — Ednafa Allyn, relict of Jacob (67).

1809.
Jan. — Noah O'Brien, son of Barnard (17).
Jan. — Patience Chapman, daughter of John (2).
Feb. — Hannah Stedman, daughter of Benjamin, Jr. (2).
Feb. — Zachariah Waterhouse (42).
March — George Davison, son of Luther (3).
March — Lucy Turner, relict of Hawkins (100).

302 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1809 — Continued .
April — Isaac Stanton (67).
April — Child of Asa' Barnes.
April — Solomon Geer (41).
April — Amos Chapman (88).

April — Elizabeth Fanning, relict of Capt. F. (86).
May — Martha Billings, wife of Stephen (80).
June — John A. Rogers, son of Charles L. (5).
July — Lydia Freeman (a black) (22).
Aug. — Capt. Stephen Sterry (lost at sea) (33).
Sept. — Elisha Williams, Esq. (63).
Oct. — Benjamin Stedman, Jr. (26).
Nov. — Gilbert Moxley, son of Thomas (2%).
Dec. — Charles Allyn, son of Trial (9).
Eliza Bill, daughter of Lodowick (2%).

1810.
Jan. — Jacob Park (84).
Feb. — Samuel Stanton (yy).
March — Child of John Chapman.
April— Richard C. Bill, son of Richard D. Bill (4).
April — Mary H. Avery, wife of Elisha (29).
April — Cyrus Williams (a negro) (58).
May — Lieut. Nehemiah Smith (yy).

May — William Hallet (drowned in New York State) (26).
May — Griswold Latham (drowned in New York State) (24).
(Latham was trying to save Hallet from drowning in
Canisteen river).
July— Jacob Avery (53).

July — Patience Chapman, daughter of Levi (29).
July — Israel Brown.
Aug.— William Hall (52).
Sept. — Rhispby Chapman, relict of Amos.
Sept. — Fanny Rogers, wife of Zabdiel (44).
Dec. — ^Abigail Whipple, daughter of Silas (8 months).
Dec. — ^Perry Garnard, son of Jonathan (17).

1811.
Feb. — Lydia Roach, daughter of Thomas (23).

APPENDIX.

303

181 1 — Continued.
March — Martha Newton, relict of Christopher (83).
March — Sibil Avery, wife of Maj. Daniel (53).

March — • Gray, wife of Benjamin.

April — Hezekiah P. Benjamin, son of Ranselier B. (4 weeks).

April — Timothy Whipple, son of Silas (3 months).

April — Child of Nehemiah Gallup.

April — Ambrose Fish (30).

April — Loisa Wilcox, daughter of Robert (i).

May — Rebecca Allyn, wife of Rdbert (50).

May — Lois Mulkey (3).

June — Benajah Avery (68).

July — Ebenezer Pratt (40).

July — Capt. Phineas S. Hudson (48).

July — Widow Bellows (83).

Aug. — Susannah Reed (a native)^ from Rhode Island.

Aug. — Widow Arthur (86).

Aug. — John Avery (65).

Aug.— Capt. Ralph Stoddard (88).

Aug. — Isaac Babcock (57).

Sept. — Lieut. Robert Wilcox, by accident, a remarkable death

(28).
Oct.— Capt. Robert Allyn (55).
Oct. — Martha Standish, wife of Isaac (70).
Oct. — Anthony Freeman (a negro) (28).
Nov. — Avery A. Bill (at Wilmington, N. C.) (37).
Nov. — Henry Gallup (86).
Nov.— Robert Allyn, Esq. (83).
Dec. — James L. Brown, son of Reuben (3).

1812.
Jan. — Lydia Spicer, wife of James (34).
Jan. — Samuel Newton.
Jan.— Child of Wait R. Worden.-'
Feb. — Sarah Spicer, relict of Abel (70).
March — Abel Brown.

March — Sufifiah C. Gates, relict of Asa (74).
March — Widow Amy Newton (75).

304 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

181 2 — Continued.
April — Esther Stanton (18).

April — Sabrina Brown, daughter of -Nathaniel (19).
April — Mary Culver (19).
May — Asa M. Bellows (at New York) (29).

May Perkins, wife of Jacob, 2d.

June — Thomas Allyn (70).

Aug. — Child of Hollen Prosser.

Aug. — Capt. Samuel Wood (48).

Aug. — William Perkins (29).

Sept. — Polly Hewlet, wife of Comfort (y2).

Oct. — Elizabeth Rufif, relict of Daniel (90).

Oct. — James Newton (in Ohio) (27).

Oct. — Child of Elijah Barns.

Oct. — Jenny Freeman (a black) (80).

Nov. — Nancy Perkins, wife of Sebra (23).

Nov. — Priscilla Lee, wife of Joseph (81).

Nov. — Jane Billings (a black).

Dec. — Prudence Bailey, wife of Ezekiel.

Dec. — ^Ruth WilHams, wife of Rufus (39).

Dec. — Polly Smith, wife of Joseph (21).

Dec. — Asa Stoddard, son of Asa (2).

1813.
Jan. — Widow Thankful Avery (loi).
Jan. — Isaac Peckham (70).
Jan. — Ashbel Chapman, son of Rufus (2).
March — Mary Williams, wife of Ebenezer (70).
April — Wife of John Perkins.
May— Abigail Gates (56).
May — Nancy Tyler (of Stonington).
May — Ezekiel Bailey.
June — Dea. Joseph Allyn (78).
July — Mehetable Bill, relict of Phineas (90).
July — Ephraim Allyn (at Sacket's Harbor) (33).
July — Clarissa Stoddard, daughter of Daniel (r8).
Aug. — Freelove Morgan, relict of Shapley (73).
Aug. — Capt. Allyn Williams (40).

APPENDIX. 305

1813 — Contiiiitcd.

Aug. — Fanny Smith, daughter of Thomas (20).

Sept. — Mary Hiliard, relict of Jonathan.

Sept. — Lucy Gray, wife of Jonas (43).

Sept. — Hannah Stoddard, daughter of Ebenezer (i).

Sept. — Stephen Allyn, son of Miner, Jr. -(2).

Oct. — Mary Allyn, relict of Dea. Joseph (74).

Oct. — Nathan Lester (71).

Oct. — Surviah Arthur, daughter of Elisha (14).

Oct. — Deborah Holdridge (72).

Oct. — Hannah Stoddard, wife of James (76).

Nov. — Temperance Adams, wife of Guy. (30).

Dec. — Lucy Avery, daughter of Theophilus (19).

Dec. — Anna Driscoll (30).

Dec. — Benjamin Gray.

Dec. — Lucy Avery, wife of Isaac (65).

Dec— Jabez Lamb (at Demerara) (37).

1814.
Jan. — Roswell M. Avery, son of Isaac, 2d (12).
Jan. — Elizabeth Moxley, relict of Joseph (74).
Jan. — Child of William Lamb, Jr.
Jan. — Child of Margery Gates.
Jan. — Ann Geer, relict of Solomon (36).
Jan. — Jacob Geer (82).
Jan. — Nathaniel Bellows (57).
Feb. — Esther Standish, wife of Nathan (65).
Feb.— Asa Gray (38).

Feb. 15 — Daughter of Jacob Gallup (12 days).
April 2 — Anna Allyn (67).
April 3 — Dea. Joseph Chapman (83).
April 18 — Lucy Lester (70).
May 6 — Sabra Avery, wife of Theophilus (62).
July 4 — Mrs. Elizabeth Eaton (28).
Aug. 3 — Is.aac Gallup, Esq. (72).
Sept. 5 — Timothy Watrous (49).
Nov. 9 — Mary Holdridge, wife of Phineas (68).
20

306 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYAUD.

1 8 1 4 — Continued .
Nov. i8 — Capt. William Williams (74).
Dec. 5 — Amos Bolles (76).
Dec. 30 — Prudence Allyn, daughter of Thomas (23).

1815.
Jan. I — Phineas Holdridge {77).
April 16 — Prudence Morgan (87).
Tune 13 — Abel Newton (68).
Oct. 8 — Eunice Barnes (78).
Oct. 22 — Albert M. Allyn (10).
Nov. 10 — Capt. Joseph Moxley (52).

1816.
March 26 — Sarah Geer, wife of Gurdon (61).
April 16 — Asa Chapman (24).
June 4 — Capt. Israel Morgan (59).
July 5 — Mary H. Avery, daughter of Nathan (5).
Aug. 22 — Abby M. Averill (3).
Sept. 8 — Gurdon Bill Spicer (10).
Sept. 19 — Alathea Spicer (86).
Sept. 24 — Billings Allyn, son of Thomas (18).
Sept. 25 — Allyn Mallison (in Mo.) (29).
Nov. 30 — Thomas A. Williams, son of John (5 months).
Dec. 28 — Ephraim Allyn (69).

— Isaac Wightman (72).

1817.
Feb. 10 — Asa Bellows (55).
June 17— Albert Latham, son of Jonas (i).
Aug. 23 — Mary Gray (71)
Sept. 7 — Lucien Niles, son of Rodman (7).
Sept. 20 — William E. Maynard (2%).
Oct. 8— Nathan Holdridge (50).
Nov. 6 — Mrs. Nancy Lester (44).
Dec. 27 — Jabez Averill (41).

1818.
Feb. 12 — Martha Gallup, wife of Christopher (52).
Feb. 28 — Cynthia Spicer (i).
April 12 — Dea. Benadam Gallup {77).

APPENDIX. 307

181 8 — Continued.
Nov. 2 — Sabra Barnes (47).

Nov. 21 — Frederick I. Allyn, son of Lathrop (i 1-3).
— Allyn Lamb (27).

1819.
March 28 — Valentine Lewis (85).
May II — Mrs. Experience Stoddard (41).
Sept. 21 — Sarah Bradford, wife of Adonijah (50)
Oct. 29 — Capt. Simeon Crandall (at sea) (30).
Oct. 29 — Squire Mallison (24).

— Lucretia P. Wightman, wife of Isaac (73).

1820.
Jan. 12 — Agrippa Newton (81).
June 3 — Dezire Watrous, daughter of John (17).
June II — John Watrous (42).
June 15 — ^John Watrous, Jun. (19).
June 28 — Mrs. Abigail Williams (60).
July 17 — Joseph Lee (88).
Aug. 15 — Fanny Bedent, wife of Jesse (25).
Oct. 13 — Hannah Allyn, wife of Robert (88).
Oct. 14 — Frederick Hemstead (6 months).
Dec. 13 — CaroHne Allyn, daughter of Cyrus (i).

1821.
Jan. 12 — ^Joseph Williams (63).
Jan. 17 — Nathaniel Brown (63).
Feb. 13 — Ansel Brown (28).
March 12 — Dezire Watrous, wife of John (41).
May 9 — Anna Geer (85).

July 20 — Calvin Gallup, son of Jacob (i month).
Aug. 7 — Reuben Brown (58).
Aug. 26 — William Williams, Jun. (21).
Dec. 13 — Thomas' Williams (38).

Dec. 16 — Capt. Latham Allyn (in Charlestown, S. C.) (27).
— Lucy C. Adams, wife of Capt. Elihu (33).

1822.
Feb. ID— Cynthia W. Allyn (39).
Feb. 22 — ^James Avery (85).

308 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARl).

1 822 — Continued.
March 15 — ^Jesse Gallup (71).
March 16 — Mrs. Lucretia Taylor (24).
April 13 — Bridget Lester, wife of Peter (88).
Rlay 23 — Lucy E. Stoddard (3).
April 16 — James Allyn (24).
April 16 — Fanny S. Allyn (29).
June 6 — Gilmon Allyn (18).
July 18— Mary Geer (85).

Aug. 2 — Sybil Avery, daughter of Anson (10).
Aug. 13 — Jefferson Williams, son of William (16).
Sept. 3^Isaac Avery, Esq. (75).
Sept. 16 — Lydia Avery, relict of James (81).
Sept. 18 — Sarah J. Denison, wife of Joseph (18).
Oct. 4 — Prudence Barnes (38).
Nov. 17 — Comfort Brown (76).
Nov. 18 — John Stanton (at sea).
Dec. I — Maj. Daniel Avery (64).

1823.
March 3 — Capt. Shubael Smith (48).
April 21 — Nathan Allyn (at St. Vincent's, W. I.) (59).
Aug. 19 — Sabrina Brown, daughter of Daniel (28).
Aug. 22 — Bridget Gallup, wife of Dea. Benadam (80).
Sept. 8 — Hannah Hurlbutt, wife of Asaph (50).
Sept. 9 — Alice Adams (71).

Oct. 14 — Gloriana Eldredge, relict of Charles (78).
Oct. 22 — Eliza C. Perkins (7).
Nov. 6 — Peleg Rose (71).
Nov. 10 — Amos Barnes (48).

Nov. 22 — Deborah Avery, wife of Maj. Daniel (55).
Dec. 20 — Sarah Williams (67).

— Alice E. Adams, wife of Daniel (71).

1824.
May 19 — Joshua Bill, son of Gurdon (i day).. :
June 9 — Moses Avery (25).
July 9 — Mary A. Spicer (15).
July 25 — Moses P. Avery, son of Moses (5 months).

APPENDIX. 309

1 824 — Continued.
July 27 — Mrs. Prudence Cushman (60).
Aug. 20 — Sarah M. Gray (15).
Sept. 27 — Henrietta Allyn (34).
Oct. 13 — Mrs. James Allyn (86).
Oct. 14. — Hannah Gallup (61).
Oct. 17 — Martha Stoddard, wife of Ichabod (82).
Nov. 3 — Margaret Babcock (81).

1825.
Feb. 14 — Robert Wilcox, infant son of Robert.
April 20 — Ichabod Stoddard (83).
May 3 — Sarah Newton (80).
June 7 — Deborah Hallet, wife of Henry (26).
Sept. 29 — Prudence Williams, relict of Capt. William (72).
Nov. 15 — Adonijah F. Bradford (55).
Nov. 16 — Asa Chapman (67).

Nov. 18 — Mary D. Bradford, daughter of Adonijah (16).
Dec. 15 — Katherine Gallup, wife of Jesse (72).

1826.
Jan. 29 — Josiah Gallup (65).
Jan. 31 — Charles H. Williams, son of Ephraim (i).

— Henry WilHams.
March 6 — James Stoddard (92).
March 8 — Joseph Bill, son of Gurdon (i month).
March 9 — Rachel Crouch, wife of John (20).
March 15 — Son of Daniel Williams (16 days).
April 7 — Mrs. Hannah Hurlburt, wife of Rufus (89).
April 19 — Zabdiel Rogers (62).
April 23— Gurdon F. Allyn, son of Gurdon (9).
May 13 — Esther Brown (62).
June 2— John Q. Avery, son of Dudley (i).
Aug. 2— Silas Niles (49).

Aug. 8— Aseneth Gere, wife of Col. Isaac W. (24).
Sept. I— Elizabeth Averill, wife of Gideon (74).
Sept, 15 — Elizabeth Morgan, wife of Israel (70).

3IO HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1827.

Jan. 3 — Eunice Latham, wife of Thomas {77).

Jan. 23 — Mary AUyn, wife of Joseph (68).

Feb. 7 — Robert Latham (40).

Feb. 18— Nathan D. Gallup (24).

Feb. 20 — Mabel Williams (70).

March 10 — Sarah Bellows, relict of Nathaniel (65).

May 20 — Edmund Chapel (78).

June 10 — John Dickerson (16).

July 9 — Wm. E. Newbury (2).

July II — Allyn Lester (52).

Sept. 26 — Betsey Gallup, wife of Jesse (29).

1828.
March 29 — Dorothy Lester, wife of Asa (60).
April I— John Williams, son of Erastus (i).
April 6 — Son of Thomas Roach.
April 7— Thomas Allen (83).
April 22 — Squire Lee (73).

May 27 — Horace Gallup, son of Jacob (8 months).
June 23 — Laury Newton, daughter of Elijah (30).
Aug. 17 — Albert Stoddard, son of Sanford (10).
Aug. 29 — Maria L. Perkins (3).
Sept. 15 — Sabrina Barnes (16).
Sept. 29 — Parthenia Gallup, wife of Jacob (34).
Oct. 12 — MeHnda Gallup, wife of Avery (26).
Dec. 13 — Francis W. Allyn (19).

1829.
Jan. 10 — Ellen J. Stoddard, daughter of Sanford (6 months).
Feb. 7 — Daniel Adams (73).
March 8— Capt. Mark Stoddard (85).
April 17 — Hannah Hurlbutt, daughter of Asaph (27).
April 17 — Sally Stoddard, wife of Asa (47).
May 8 — Zephaniah Watrous (4 months).
May 19 — Mrs. Emeline L. Short (23).
June 27 — Infant son of Stephen and Martha Billings,
July 21 — Eunice Fanning, relict of George (82),
Aug. 29 — Charles W. Crandall (3 months),

APPENDIX. 311

1829 — Continued.
Sept. 7 — Emeline L. Short (4 months).
Sept. 14 — Ann Ethridge (50).

— John Seabury Spicer (27).

• — Daniel Adams, a Revolutionay soldier (73).

— Capt. Elihii Adams (45).
1830.
Feb. 9 — Lucy A. Avery, daughter of Dudley (4).
Feb. 24. — Sidney S. Avery, son of Dudley (8).
March 16 — Anna Chapman, wife of Joseph (94).
March 22 — James A. Hempstead (20).
April 9 — Frederic Bill, son of Gurdon (i).
April 16 — Mason Gallup, son of Nehemiah (4).
April 21 — Mary Chapman, daughter of Eber (25).
July 22 — Amos Allyn (83).
Sept. 5 — Giles Latham, son of Jonas (22).
Sept. 7 — Nancy Crouch, wife of Daniel (22).
Oct. 10 — Franklin Brown (24).
Nov. 25 — Bybon Allyn, son of Cyrus (10 months).
Dec. 25 — Deborah Brown, wife of Nathaniel (80).

1831.
March 23 — Ebenezer Morgan (75).
April 18 — Hannah Avery, wife of Dea. Peter (89).
April 27 — Elizabeth Williams, daughter of John (1%).
May 3 — Rufus Williams (69).
May 6 — Sarah L. Arthur (38).
May 21 — Prentice Avery (50).
July 6— Allen Welch (21).
July 15 — Christopher Morgan (83).
July 21— Mrs. Esther Gere (85).
July 29 — Lucy Stoddard, wife of Mark (84).
Aug; 10 — Ursula M. Chapman, wife of Simeon (30).
Sept. 9 — Sarah Stoddard, wife of Robert (80).
Nov. 12— Frederick M. Niles (26).
Nov. 22 — Henry Gallup (74).
Dec— Albert G. Hempstead (26).
Dec. 7— Stephen S. Ball, son of Alfred (4).

312

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 83 1 — Continued.
Dec. 13— John P. Gallup, son of Lodowick (10).

1832.
March 4 — Capt. John Stanton (58).
April 19 — Capt. John Wood (91).
April 19 — Dorothy Lester, relict of John (91).
July 19— Sarah F. Ball, daughter of Alfred (6).
July 30 — Elias Rose, son of James (2%).
Aug. 8 — Capt. Guy Adams (at sea) (46).
Oct. 16 — Edwin Newbury (i).
Oct. 19 — Eneas Holdridge (24).
Nov. 6 — Thankful Roach, wife of Thomas (63).

1833- •
Jan. 8 — Julia Arthur (2).

Jan. 10 — Esther Bailey, wife of Obadiah (87).
Feb. 3 — Huldah Chapman, daughter of Simeon (2).
March 23 — Prudence Avery, wife of Billings (31).
May 18 — Mary Peckham, daughter of Rev. Stephen (3).
May 29 — John L. Forsyth (7 weeks).
July 15 — BilHngs Avery (31).

July 20 — William S. Thomas, son of Seabury (3).
July 20 — Hannah L. Reynolds (24).
July 23 — Darius Perkins (39).

July 31 — Latham F. Allyn (drowned in Colchester) (15).
July 31 — Capt. Enos Morgan (59).
Aug. 17 — Mary Wilcox, infant daughter of Robert.
Aug. 26 — Samuel Allyn (62).

Sept. 4 — Austin L. Perkins, son of Stephen (5).
Nov. II — Sidney Stoddard (34).
Nov. 12 — Elizabeth H. Hempstead (30).
Nov. 13 — Diadamia Wood (32).
Nov. 13 — Margareth Wood (32).
Nov. 26 — Mary Vincent (34).
Dec. 21 — Anna Brown, daughter of Aaron (17).

1834.
Jan. 18 — Eleazer Brown (22).
Jan. 29 — Vine Stoddard (85).

APPENDIX. 313

1 834 — Continued.
March 4 — Infant son of Elias Gallup.
May II — James Gallup (63).

May 26 — Emeline Satterlee, daughter of Elisha (5).
April 30 — Robinson J. Bailey (at sea) (27).
July 8 — Dea. Samuel Lamb (86).
July 8 — Solon Moxley (21).

July 18 — Tabitha Lamb, wife of Dea. Samuel (78).
Aug. 24 — Rodman Niles (61).
Aug. 27 — John Wood, Jun. (49).
Aug. 30 — Robert Geer (91).

Aug. 31 — Olive E. Gallup, daughter of Lodowick (23).
Sept. 6 — Austin Hallet, son of Henry (11).
Sept. 12 — William A. Stoddard (21).
Nov. 21 — Lucy Gallup, relict of Nathan (85).
Nov. 23 — Abigail J. Perkins, daughter of Stephen (8).
Dec. 10 — Cynthia Roach (35).

1835-
March 10 — Deborah Latham, wife of Joseph (88).
April 24 — Freelove Hurlbutt (68).
April 30 — Content Whipple, wife of Noah (41).
May 20 — Mary F. Prosser (25).
May 25 — James Fanning, Jun. (34).
Aug. 10 — Perez B. AUyn, son of Gurdon (5 months).
Aug. 31 — David Geer (80).

Sept. II — Rebecca Whipple, daughter of Noah (2).
Sept. 20 — Esther Brown, daughter of Daniel (37).
Oct. — Elizabeth Stark (75).
Oct. II — Martha Newton (57).
Nov. 30— ^Almira W. Ayer, wife of George (28).
Dec. 16 — Mehnda Gallup, wife of Luke (42).

1836.
Jan. 23 — Thomas Prentice, son of Thomas (3).
March 5— Robert Stoddard, Jun. (54).
April 10 — Mrs. Susan Forsyth (24).
April 13 — Simeon Gallup (55).
April 14 — Lucy Barnes (70).

314 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 836 — Continued.
April 16 — Sylvia Newton (81).
April 17 — Ruth Brown, wife of Comfort (85).
April 27 — Caroline E. Woodmansee (i).
April 28 — Silas Whipple, son of Noah (i).
June 5 — Samuel Whipple (38).
June 15 — Elkanah Newbury (45).
July 29 — Daniel Thomas (80).
Aug. II — Harriet C. Whipple, wife of Samuel (38).
Aug. 20 — Mary L. Jagger (2).
Sept. 5 — Abiah Watrous (5).
Oct. 6 — Lydia Latham, relict of Daniel (95).
Nov. 21 — Mary Geer (78).
Dec. 4 — Prudence Geer (61).

1837-
Jan. I — Jerusha Rose, wife of James (45).
Feb. 8 — Sarah Stoddard, wife of Robert (78).
March 15 — Hannah Larrabee, wife of Adam (39).
April 14 — Elias Gallup (39).
April 24 — Esther Allyn, rehct of Amos (78).
May 28 — Hannah Freeman, relict of Robert {77).
June II — Alfred Allyn (34).
July — Elisha Denison (22).
Aug. 7 — Samuel Vincent (30).
Sept. 28— Peter Williams (82).
Oct. 17 — Lucy Hurlbutt (59).
Dec. I — Oliver W. Champlin (33).
Dec. 6 — Peter L. Hurlbutt (61).
Dec. 13 — Eunice Thomas, relict of Daniel (80).
— Hannah Rose (95).

1838.
Feb 4 — Sarah Dean, relict of John (85).
Feb 7 — Anna Stoddard (47).
March 15— Philip Gray (62).
April 5 — Jonathan Sholes (70).
April II — Eunice Geer (87).
June 3 — Isaac A, Williams, son of John (19),

APPENDIX. 315

1 838 — Continued.
June 10 — Lydia Willcox, wife of Jeremiah (63).
June 22 — Frances J. Rose, daughter of James (18).
June 24 — Mary Geer, wife of David (81).
June 25 — Amos Williams (84).
July 12 — Jonathan Stoddard (72).
Sept. 26— Thomas Hallet (78).
Oct. 9 — Henry J. Hurlbutt, son of Asaph (2).
Oct. 23 — Lydia Williams (73).
Nov. 25 — Olive Sterry, wife of Silas (95).
Dec. 9 — Emeline C. Gallup, daughter of Elisha (17).
Dec. II — Mrs. Elisabeth Chappel (93).
Dec. 26 — Mercy A. Phillips, wife of Joseph (17).

1839.
Feb. — Mercy M. Burnett, wife of Richard (21).
Feb. II — Abigail Bill, wife of Joshua (80).
Feb. 16 — Theophilus Avery (85).

March 16 — Susannah Stoddard, wife of Guy C. (50).
March 28 — Parthena Sterry, daughter of Silas (68).
March 29 — Stephen H. Ball, son of Alfred (6).
March 31 — James H. Ball, son of Alfred (4).
July 2 — Asa L. Lester (78).
July 9 — ^James Fanning (67).
July 20 — Hannah Allyn, wife of Nathan (72).
Aug. 16 — Theodore A. Capron (32).

Sept. 22 — Mary E. Willcox, daughter of Jeremiah (15 days).
Oct. II — Bashaba Allyn, wife of Thomas (84).
Dec. 8 — John Main (32).

1840.
Jan. 12 — Cyrus Allyn (53).
Feb. 14 — Infant son of Luke Gallup.
P"eb. 24 — Joseph Allyn (60).
March 5 — Erastus Latham, Jun. (2).
July 10 — Elisha A. Packer, son of Eldredge (i).
Aug. 5 — Elisha J. Stoddard (61).
Aug. 16 — Susan Lester, relict of Nathan (82).
Sept. 10 — Mary Rose, widow of Peleg (88).

3l6 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1 840 — Continued.
Oct. II — Stephen H. Woodmansee (3).
Oct. 19 — Giles Morgan (28).
Dec. 13 — Nancy Gallup, wife of Andrew (71).
Dec. 14 — Daniel Stoddard (79).
Dec. 14 — Solomon Lester (69).
Dec. 25 — Stephen Billings (22).

— Dr. Prosper Rose, surgeon in army (88).

1841.
April 10 — Lucy Kimball, relict of Chester (71).
June 30 — Lucretia Stoddard, wife of Daniel (yy).
July 21 — Mary Hallet, wife of Thomas (79).
Aug. 4 — Ruth Brown, widow of Reuben (72).
Aug. 7 — James M. Gallup (18).
Aug. 7 — George W. Palmer (25).
Sept. 7 — Henry Comstock, son of Henry (3).
Dec. 20 — ^Joshua Bill (81).
Dec. 28 — Martha Vincent, relict of Samuel (in Ohio) (36).

1842.
Jan. 16 — Infant daughter of Albert Brown.
April 8 — Erastus Barnes (22).
May I — William J. Williams (16).
May 4 — Mrs. Laura Lamphere (23).
March 9— Martha S. Gallup (46).
May 30 — Phoebe Gallup, daughter of Nehemiali (18).
June 23 — Robert Stoddard (85).
July 5 — William Watrous (1%).
July 24 — Sarah E. Latham, wife of Thomas (20).
Aug. 8 — Col. Ebenezer Avery (80).
Aug. 9 — Lucy Chapman (5 months).
Aug. 14 — James Latham (72).

Oct. 9 — Frank Latham, son of Thomas (4 months).
Oct. 19 — Cesar Babcock (90).
Oct. 21 — Mrs. Lydia Adams, wife of David (74).
Nov. 9— Mrs. Charlotte Clark (60).
Nov. 13 — Julia A. Lee, daughter of John (19).
Nov. 19 — James B, Williams, son of William (3),

APPENDIX. 317

1842 — ■Continued.
Dec 7 — Lyman Stoddard, son of Daniel (16).
Dec. 12 — Joseph Gallup, son of Avery (7 months).

1843-
Jan. 16— Robert M. Niles (26).
April 4 — Esther Peckham, wife of Stephen (46).
May 21— Seth Williams (83).

June 3 — Hannah M. Williams, daughter of Erastus (8).
June 28 — Mary Williams, wife of Peter.
July 19 — Jesse Gallup (60).

Aug. 7 — Adelaide L. Packer, daughter of Eldredge (8%).
Aug. 17 — Dea. Warren Williams (54).
Aug. 18 — Jonathan Stoddard, Jr. (54).
Aug. 27 — Obadiah Bailey (93).
Sept. 7 — Mary Moxley, wife of John S. (54).
Sept. 15 — Prudence M. Palmer, wife of Christopher S. (28).
Nov. 14 — Esther Latham, wife of William (63).
Dec. 5 — Hannah Holdridge, widow of Nathan (64).
Dec. 6 — Eldredge Packer (36).
Dec. 27 — Nehemiah Gallup (93).

1844.
Jan. 16 — Freelove Allyn (61).

Feb. 10 — Elias Chapman, son of Samuel (9 months).
March 20 — Simeon Morgan (58).
April 21 — Stephen Morgan (83).
April 27 — Content Watrous, wife of Henry (28).
May 8 — Capt. Hamilton Morgan (27).
May II — John Lee (52).

July 24 — Nancy H. Chapman, daughter of Elias (21).
Aug. 7 — John Chapman (64).
Sept. 9 — Nathan Peckham {67).
Oct. 16 — Samuel Chapman (38).

1845-
Feb. 7 — Harriet M. Peckham, daughter of Isaac (9).
March 13 — Sarah Allyn, wife of Alexander (71).
May 29— Sally Lewis (85).
June 9 — Sally Chapman, widow of Robert (56).

3l8 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDyARD.

1 845 — Continued.
Aug. ii^Angeline Arthur (23).
Sept. 14 — George D. Williams, son of Daniel (1%).
Sept. 17 — Julia A. Peckham, daughter of Isaac (21).
Oct. 21 — Jane R. Chapman (19).
Nov. II — Erastus Williams (60).
Nov. 23 — Aurelia S. Stanton (22).
Dec. 28 — Elizabeth Bolles, relict of Amos (72).

1846.
March 9 — Elias Brown (64).
April 22 — Polly Satterlee, wife of Elisha (71).
April 29 — Polly Stoddard, wife of Sanford (64).
May 2It— Julia A. Brown (26).
June 13 — Mrs. Hannah Carter (26).
Oct. I — Lucy Bill, wife of Gurdon (51).
Oct. 4 — Fanny E. Brown, daughter of Albert (3).

1847.
Jan. 10 — Amos H. Allyn, son of Joseph (16).
Jan. 14 — Gustavus C. Newton (in Tennessee) (23).
Feb. 5 — Hope Ayer, wife of Elisha (89).
March 6 — Susannah Reynolds, wife of Clark (66).
July — Lymon Perkins (2).
July — Alfred Dickinson (2).
July 26 — ^James Stoddard, son of Ephraim (2).
July 31— Eliza Bill (16).
Aug. 4 — Silas WilHams (78).
Aug. 22 — Thomas Norman (64).
Sept. 18 — Lucy Peckham, wife of Benjamin (87).
Sept. 20 — William E. Maynard (2).
Sept. 28 — Jonathan Stoddard (83).
Nov. I — Mary Avery (73).
Nov. 6 — Nancy Lester, wife of Austin (44).
Nov. 22 — Albert Roach (23).

Nov. 24 — Hannah A. Thomas, wife of Seabury (44).
Nov. 30— Polly Gallup (81).
Nov. 30 — Mary Gallup, relict of Josiah (81).
Dec. 6 — Susan Gallup (20).

APPENDIX. 319

1847 — Continued.
Dec. 20 — Emily Palmer (31).
Dec. 25 — Sally Perkins (65).

1848.
Feb. 8 — Denison B. Packer /2).
March 24 — Susanna Williams, wife of Allyn (80).
April 7 — Capt. Jacob Allyn (50).

April 10 — Reuben Wilcox, son of Robert (3 months).
April 17 — Julia Whipple (9 months).
May 23 — Levi Standish (84).
May 24 — Eunice Chapman, wife of Asa (74).
May 24 — Eunice Standish (74).
May 25 — James Allyn (78).
June 6 — Samuel Whipple (28).
June 27 — Infant daughter of Joseph Tibbetts.
July I — Mary G. Stoddard, wife of Jonathan (81).
July 5 — Augusta M. Ball, daughter of Olive (4 months).
July 20 — John Holdridge (65).
Aug. 6 — Matilda Whipple (23).
Aug. 10 — Henry Rogers (41).

Aug. 23 — Hannah M. Palmer, daughter of Charles (i^^).
Aug. 31 — Lewiston Gallup (32).
Sept. 13 — Catherine Gallup, wife of Luke (47).
Oct. 27 — Asa Avery (51).

Nov. 19 — ^Juliet Rose, daughter of James (27).
Dec. 21 — Anna G. Williams, relict of Seth (83).
Dec. 21 — Anna Gallup (83).

1849.
Jan. 23 — Ichabod Babcock (90).
Jan. 24 — Sally Newton (61).
Jan. 30 — William Latham (84).
Feb. 9 — Fitch Stoddard, son of Sanford (23).
Feb. 10— Perez F. Stoddard (22).
Feb. 16 — Hannah A. Williams, wife of Denison (54).
Feb. 19 — James J. Brown (42).
March 5— George Davis (41).
March 9 — Elam V. Williams, son of Denison (12).

320 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

1849 — Continued.
March 21 — Samuel Healy.
April 24 — Mary Peckham (76).
May 20— Thomas Allyn (87).
July 5 — Isaac Bailey (60). i

July 17 — Margaret Gallup, wife of Lodowick (70).
July 30 — Christopher Gallup (85).
Aug. 2 — Cyrus M. McCracken.
Aug. 18 — Phebe Wood (y/).
Aug. 23 — Infant child of Geo. A. Bailey.
Sept. I— Mary Hurlbutt (5 days).
Sept. 3 — Melville Comstock, son of Henry (1%).
Sept. 6 — Sally A. Lester (20).
Sept. 18 — Catherine Gallup (47).
Sept. 19 — Timothy Crouch.
Sept. 29 — Olive Ball, wife of Van (26).
Oct. — Hephzibah Whipple (59).

Oct. I — Margery Newton Avery, wife of Theophilus (74).
Oct. 4 — Mary Maynard, wife of Jesse (80).
Oct. 28 — Edwin Arthur (in California) (22).
Nov. 13 — Elijah T. Rose, son of James (22).
Nov. 15 — Phebe Peckham, wife of Stephen (32).
Nov. 21 — Polly Wopdbridge.
Dec. 2 — Content Crouch.
Dec. 4 — Ellen A. Campbell (2).
Dec. 16 — Content Welden.

1850.
Jan. II — David Adams (88).
Jan. 26 — Susan Lester.
Feb. I — Peleg W. Park (drowned) (44).
May 8— Rev. Ralph Hurlbutt (83).
May 22— Sally Stoddard (46).
June 20 — Susannah Allyn, wife of Tliomas (84).
July 25 — James E. Geer (i).

— Thomas Smith (in Franklin) (90).
Aug. — Tliankful Smith, wife of Thomas (in Franklin) (92).
Aug. 13 — Mary Stoddard, daughter of Ephraim (i).

APPENDIX. 321

1 850 — Continued.
Aug. 15— Col. Stephen Billings (69).
Aug. 29 — Simeon Bailey (1V2).
Aug. 29— Elizabeth C. Bailey (6).
Sept. 23 — Clarissa B. Tibbetts, daughter of Joseph (i),
Sept. 24 — George G. Vincent, son of Ira (24).
Oct. 5— Amy S. Williams, wife of William (68).
Nov. 24 — Gurdon L. Spicer (26).
Dec. I — Capt. Alexander AUyn (83).
Dec. 28— Joseph Tibbetts (36).

— Phebe W. Watrous, wife of Daniel (28).

1851.
Jan. 8 — Reuben C. Perkins (21).
Jan. 14 — Ira W. Lamb (14).
Jan. 31 — Caroline Allen, widow oif Alfred (45).
April 19 — Peter A. Gallup (75).

May 12 — Harriet R. Smith, daughter of Leonard (4 days).
July 19 — Lydia Satterlee, wife of Jonas (81).
Aug. 14 — William H. Stoddard (35).
Nov. 8 — Isaac Allyn, son of Abel (in California) (24).
Dec. 19 — Ira E. Bill, son of Edward (2%).
Dec. 20 — Mary Hurlbutt, relict of Rev. Ralph (86).
Dec. 30 — George Ayer, Jun. (18).

1852.
Feb. 23 — Daniel Brown (92).
April 4— Alfred Ball (58).
May 23 — Mary A. Allen, wife of Elisha (27).
May 25 — Michal Williams, widow of Silas (81).
June 5 — Peter Lester (84).
June 22— Capt. Alfred A. Wood (57).
July 4 — Anna Lester, widow of Peter (90).
July 14 — ^Sally P. Sheldon, wife of John (66).
Aug. 18 — ^Abigail Stoddard, widow of Vine (93).
Sept. 26 — Capt. Francis A. Lester (40).
Oct. 17— Eli'sha Morgan (18).
Nov. II — Capt. Jacob Gallup (65).
21

322 HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

i853-
Jan. 8 — Julius Latham (2).

Jan. 16— Mrs. Mary Mulkey (74).

Jan. 27 — Capt. Daniel Stoddard, son of Daniel (29).

Feb. 14— Horatio N. Bailey (in San Francisco) (33). .

Feb. 24 — Hon. Wm. Williams (72).

Feb. 26 — Amos Myers (21).

March 8 — Jonas Satterlee (89).

March 16 — Andrew Gallup (91).

April 8 — Nancy L. Myers, wife of John (56).

May 30 — Polly Stanton (61).

June 20 — Elisha Ayer (96).

July IS — William H. Park, son of Peleg (at Key West) (22).

July 24 — Robinson Bailey (69).

July 26 — Olive Morgan (93).

Sept. 26 — Sarah Gray, widow of Philip (69).

Sept. 29 — Infant- son of Eben Gallup.

Oct. 3 — ^Theoday Latham (69).

Oct. 21 — Cynthia Holdridge (66).

Nov. 15 — Abby Lester (53).

Dec. 17 — William Green (81).

Dec. 23 — Phillis B. Daniels, wife of Mark (74).

Dec. 25 — Freelove Niles Latham (79).

Dec. 25 — Infant son of Jos. Morgan.

Dec. 31 — Elisha Perkins (70).

— Stephen Hempstead (83).

1854.
Jan. 16 — Infant child of G. A. Bailey.
Jan. 23 — Mrs. Emeline F. Holdridge (40).
Jan. 19 — Mrs. Mary Avery, relict of Col. Ebenezer (86).
March 23 — Capt. Henry Comistock (at Ascen'sion Island) (43).
April 21— Ray Gallup (20).
May 6— Henry M. Reynolds (49).
June 3 — Benjamin Spicer (60).

June 10 — Gehannah Williams, relict of Uriah (99 2-3J,
June 22 — Phineas Holdridge (83).
June 28 — Seth Williams (52).

APPENDIX. 323

June 28— Mrs. Elizabeth S. Gallup (39).

June 29 — Mary Morgan, daughter of Simeon (32).

July 7 — Infant son of Theophilus and Mary Avery.

July 9 — Austin AUyn (23).

July 20 — Gurdon Williams (63).

July 23 — Julia Ayer, wife of George (37).

Aug. 24 — Ro'swell M. Stoddard (5 months).

Sept. 17 — Thomas Comstock (67).

Oct. 9 — Capt. Wm. Williams (75).

Nov. 13— Mrs. Prudence Daboll (88).

Nov. 26 — Mary C. Stoddard (33).

Dec. 3 — Egbert Avery (65).

Dec. 28 — Nathan Barnes (78).

— Benjamin Geer (70).

— Martha Geer (60).

INDEX.

Page.
Ackley, Elder J. B. 57

Adams, John Q. 274

Adams, John 75

Adams, Nathan 75

Adams, Elder J. R. 57

Aldrige, Elder Frediis 54

Allyn, Maria S. 219

Allyn, Abel 171, 187

Allyn, William I. 249

Allyn, Belton 79

Allyn, James 164

Allyn, Benadam 79

Allyn, Christopher

56, 168, 169, 219
Allyn, Israel 44, 45, 171

Allyn, N. B. 57

Allyn, Robert

18, 19, 167, 211
Allyn, Col. Roswell 164, 165
Allyn, Lt. Stanton

165, 166, 167
Allyn, Charles 169

Allyn, Capt. Samuel 79

Allyn, Palmer 249

Allyn, Capt. Simeon 79

Allyn, Capt. Gurdon L. 167
Allyn, Gurdon F. 169

Allyn, Rev. Robert

169, 171, 246

Page.
Allyn, Margarette J. 186

Allyn, Ellen 187

Allyn, Maria R. 247

Allyn, Fanny 88

Arnold, Benedict 67, 69, 75
Ashley, Elder D. G. 56

Avery, Dr. Amos G. 182

Avery, A. 58

Avery, E. D. 109

Avery, Capt. Anson 20

Avery, Capt. Christopher 173
Avery, Amos G. 52, 54

Avery, Dr. Christopher

Swan 181, 182

Avery, Billings T. 19

Avery, Rev. Christopher

31, 56, 174
Avery, Capt. Christopher

i73> 174
Avery, Caleb 70

Avery, Col. Ebenezer 174
Avery, Isaac 181

Avery, Lucy 181

Avery, Ebenezer 72

Avery, Samuel 264

Avery, Edward 172

Avery, Erasmus 249

Avery, Henry W.

44. 174. 175. ^77, '^79

326

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Page.

Avery, I. Edwin 249
Avery, Rev. John

I, 41, 178, 181, 246, 247, 249

Avery, James Jr. 172

y\very, Jacob 172

Avery, Mary A. 25, 42
Avery, Rev. Nathan

54, 172, 174
Avery, Rev. Park 52, 70

Avery, Rev. Frederick D.

177, 178, 181
Avery, Henry W. Jr.

179, 180
Avery, Sidney 180

Avery, Rufus 71

Avery, Lydia G. 180

Avery, Mary 180

Avery, Theophilus 186

Avery, WiUiam 81

Avery, Nathan 182

Avery, Experience 208

Avery, Dea. John 211

Avery, Abigail 211

Avery Family, 92

Ayer Family, 98

Backus, Rev. Isaac
Babcock, Ichabod
Bailey, Thomas
Baker, Andrew

51

79

148

79

Barber, Phoebe Esther 59
Barnes, Laura Anna 59

Beckwith, Dea. J. B.

43, 44, 249
Bellows, Miss 43

Pagre.
Bellows Family, 98

Benham, Ida Whipple 247
Bennett, John 60

Bentley, Elder L. D. 56

Billings, Corp. Andrew 79
BilHngs, Anna 44

Billings, Cynthia 222

Billings, Capt. James A. 186
Billings, Stephen 186, 222
Billings Family, 100

Bill, Charles

45, 112, 113; 248, 249
Bill, Edward M. 107

Bill, Frederic

76, 103, 109, 248, 249
Bill, Frederic A. 81,185,249
Bill, Gurdon

81, 105, 106, 183, 257
Bill, Gurdon Jr. 108, 248, 249
Bill, Henry

38, 39, 108, 183, 184, 185
243, 244, 246, 247, 249
Bill, James • 183

Bill, John 103

Bill, Nathan D. 108

Bill, Joshua 79, 105

Bill, Lucy Y. 107, 183

Bill, Ledyard

3,83, 105, no, 111,248,249
Bill, Richard 104 ■

Bill, Edward 246, 249

Bill, Phineas 79

Bill, Rev. Dr. William 102
Bill, Philip 18, 105

Bill, Joshua 264

Bill, John W, 185

INDEX.

327

Page.

Bill, Sarah 196

Bill, Richard 103

Bill, Phineas 211

Bill Family, 102

Boynton, Elder G. D. 56

Bolles Family, 114

Bradford, Gov. William 169

Bradbury, Elder David 56

Breed, John 265

Brewster, Frankhn 186, 187

Brewster, Elder William 175

Brewster, Jonathan 18
Brewster, Capt. John

83, 187, 188, 190

Brewster, James 265

Brewster, Benjamin i8r

Brewster, Nathan 186

Brewster, William F. 187

Brewster, John D. 190

Brewster, Jabez 187
Brewster, John 187, 245, 249

Brewster, Frank W. 189

Brewster Family, 115

Bromfield, Capt. 72

Brown, Amos 59

Brown, Avery W. 59

Brown, Aaron 58

Brown, Albert 58

Brown, Avery W. 190

Brown, C. A. 57

Brown, Daniel 58
Brown, Col. Elias W.34, 44, 58

Brown, Hattie 57

Brown, EHas S. 190

Brown, Mercy 59

Brown, Mary 59

Page.

Brown, Rev. Nathaniel Jr. 52

Brown, Mary L. 189

Buckingham, Gov. Wm. A.

83, 246

Capron, Letter of Saml. 274
Campbell, Dea. Wm. 40
Carroll, L. W. 189
Carter, Charles W. 246
Case, Elder J. W. 56
Catalogue of Deaths, 276
Champion, Susan 42
Chapman, C. H. 57
Chapman, Courtland 56
Chapman, Nelson 60
Chapman, Ichabod 45
Chapman, William 18
Chapman, Hannah I. 57
Chester, Norman L. 44
Church, The Congrega-
tional 30
Church, The Episcopal 46
Church, The Methodist 53
Church, The Separatist 49
Church, The Baptist 58
Church, The Rogerene

Quakers 61

Cleveland, John 50
Clinton, General 67, 78

Colver, Courtland 57

Colver, Kate B. 57

Colver, C. E. 57

Comstock, James 75
Cook, Rev. N. B.

37, 191 ' 243, 244, 245

328

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYAED.

Page.

Cook, Mrs. N. B. 25, 191
Cook, Lt. Wm. T.

43. 191. 192, 193
24s, 246, 249, 250
Crandall, Hon. Stiles A. 191
Crandall, Billings F. T. 191
Crandall, Stiles 191

Crary, Elisha A. 187

Croswell, Rev. Andrew 32
Culver, Edward 18

Cutting, Rev. Charles

38, 46, 83, 196, 246, 249
Cutting, Horace 38

l^abolt, David A. 195

Daboll, Nathan 194

Daboll, John 71

Dalrymple, Elder C. H. 57

Daniels, Mark 257, 258

Daniels, Phillis 56

Davis, Maria T. 202

Davis, Maj. Benj. loi

Davis, Sarah loi

Davis, Jeiiferson 170

Davis, Capt. Noah 20

Deane, Hon. Silas 18, 193

Denison, Elder Eustus 58

Denison, Nathan F. 108, 109

Denison, Elder Jesse 56

Denison, Emeline 171

Denison, IBetsey 175, 179

Denison, Frederick 175

Denison, John L. 246

Denison, Martha 186

Denison, Rev. Frederick 247

Denman, Elder Thos. 57

Page.
Dewey, Elder Timothy 54
Dickenson, Elder 56

Dorchester, Elder Daniel 56
Dow, Rev. Lorenzo 54

Dunham, Elder 56

Eldridge, Charles 71

Eldridge, Mary 174

Emerson, Rev. Warren 56

Eyre, Lt. Col. 68

Fanning, Hattie E. 247

Fanning, Edmund 18, 119
Fanning, George

25, 44, 120, 243, 244

245, 246, 249

Fanning Family, 119

Fish, Capt. Wm. S. 192

Fish, Hannah 175

Fox, Bathsheba 62

Gallup, Andrew 79

Gallup, Benadam 31, 123

Gallup, Capt. Jacob 195

Gallup, Palmer 221

Gallup, Dea. Erastus 43, 203

Gallup, Nel?,emiah M. 249
Gallup, Ca|, Isaac

197, 204, 205
Gallup, Isaac

103, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201
Gallup, Rev. James A.

122, 181, 205, 220, 247
Gallup, Joseph H.

24, 165, 221

GalHtp, Joseph A, 124, 249

INDEX.

329

Page.
Gallup, Dea. Nathan Sands

43, 44, 206, 244, 249
Gallup, Maj. Jacob L. 196
Gallup, Nelson 56

Gallup, Dea. Russell 204

Gallup, Nehemiah 79

Gallup, Sarah Ann 196

Gallup, Wm. M. 25

Gallup, Jacob 249

Gallup, Dea. Russell

43, I3S> 249
Gallup, Rufus M. 244

Gallup, Isaac Jr. 202

Gallup, Avery 205

Gallup, Eliza 222

Gallup Family, 121

Gates, Phoebe F. 59

Geer, Amos 207

Geer, Ellen 130, 154

Geer, Eliza B. 45

Geer, George 18, 208

Geer, Dea. Isaac G.

43, 206, 207, 245, 249
Geer, James L. 129

Geer, Thomas A. 188

Geer, Joseph 81

Geer, Robert •'i, 130, 207
Geer, M. Adalij 188

Geer, Jacob A. 44, 207

Geer, David 207, 208

Geer, Isaac W. 208

Geer, Col. Isaac W. 208

Geer, David 208

Geer, Delia 208

Geer, Louise 208

Geer, Thomas H, 3io

Page.
Geer, Capt. Nathaniel B.

209, 243
Geer, Albert D. 210

Geer, Juliette 210

Geer, Mary A. 210

Geer Family, 125

Gilman, Wm. C. 266

Goddard, Calvin 265

Goodrich, Elder Nelson 57
Goof, A. E. 60

Gray, Hattie J. 245

Gray, Amandar W.

132, 166, 169
Gray, John M. 44, 249

Gray, Thomas B. 132

Gray, Marian I. 246, 249

Gray Family, 130

Granger, Mary 36

Griswold, Elizabeth 63

Green, Caroline L. 191

Groton Selectmen, 273

Haley, Hon. Elisha 164

Hallett, Capt. Henry 20
Hallet, Henry 257, 258

Halsey, Capt. 69

Halsey, Jeremiah 246

Hancock, John 102

Hamilton, Alexander 72
Hammond, Mrs. Esther 173

Harvey, Paul 104

Hayden, B. F. 58

Heald, Rev. Jesse E. 56

Heath, Dorothy 174

Hempstead, Stephen y\, 72

Henderson, David B, 216

330

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Page.
Hill, Samuel 71, 73

Hinks, Elder E. F. 56

Holbrook, S. T. 246

Holdridge, Almira 59

Holdridge, Emeline . 59

Holdridge, Randall 59

Howard, William O. 182

Howell, Rev. S. N. 191

Hoyt, Col. 83

Hurlburt, Amos 114, 139

Hurlburt, Lucy 54

Hurlburt, Hannah 54

Hurlburt, Fanny R. 57

Hurlburt, John 18

Hurlburt, Ralph 213, 244
Hurlburt, Henry 57

Hurlburt, Rev. Ralph

52, 54, 55, 211
Hurlburt, Rufus 54, 212

Hurlburt, Henry 249

Hurlburt, Thomas 211

Hurlburt, Lt. Thomas 212
Hurlburt, Stephen 212

Hurlburt, Dea. John 2ti

Hurlburt, Stephen 211

Hurlburt Family, 135

Huse, Elder O. 56

Hutchinson, Samuel 172

Ilyde, Mary 162

Jackes, Samuel W. 71

Jackson, Genl. Andrew 83

Jennings, Isaac 177

Johnson, Rev. Jacob 33

Jones, Mosfes 79

Johnson, Obediah 50

Page.
Johnson, Caroline A. 182

Kinney, P. 60

Kinmouth, Rev. A. E.

42, 43, 245, 246, 249

Lamb, Samuel 25

Lamb, Samuel S. 220

Lamb, Isaac 18

Lamb, Tabithy 44

Lamb Family, 139

Larned, Miss 5°

Larrabee, Capt. Adam

213, 214, 215
Larrabee, Henry 83, 249

Larrabee, Frederick 213

Larrabee, Ex-Gov. Wm.

215, 216, 217
Larrabee, Capt. Nathan F.

217, 218
Larrabee, Hon. Henry

218, 219
Latham, William 79
Latham, Thomas 57, 141, 142
Latham, Sarah E. 57, 169
Latham Family, 140
Ledyard, Fanny 73
Ledyard, Gurdon 76
Ledyard, Youngs 70
Ledyard, Capt. Ebenezer "jz
Ledyard, Col. William

19,68,69,70,71,75,76,211
Lee, Jesse 53

Lee, Gen. Robert E. 170

Lester, Asa 79

INDEX.

331

Page.

Lester, Hannah 167

Lester, John 7c)

Lester, Hannah G. 214

Lester, Samuel 264

Lester Family, 142

Lewis, Lt. Joseph 79

Lewis, Benjamin F. Jr. 189

Lewis, Benjamin F. ^249

Main, Daniel 59
Main, John 60
Main, Lois 59
Main Family 148
Mansy, Benjamin 179
Mansy, Charlotte 179
Mason, Capt. John 251
Maynard, Bertha 57
Maynard, Lydia 57
Maynard, William 18
McCord, Robert 181
McCord, Rachel P. 181
Middleton, Mrs. Jose-
phine 163
Miner, Thomas 79
Minot, Miss M. loi
Mitchell, Colby C. 177
Montgomery, Maj. 68, 74
Morgan, Henrietta 164
Morgan, Parthenia 195
Morgan, Capt. John 19, 264
Morgan, Capt. Israel 187
Morgan, William

19, 187, 222, 257
Morgan, Capt. Simeoin 79

Morgan Family, 149

Page.

Moxley, Joseph 79

Myers, Dea. John 60

Newell, Elder F. C. 56

Newton, Christopher 245

Newton, Elijah 55

Newton, John J. 55

Norton, Mary 37

Norman, Hannah 42

Norman, Moses 44

Norman, Sarah 45

Norman, Stephen H. 223

Norman, Charity 55

Norman, Hibbard R. 224

Norman, Thomas 223
Norwich & Worcester

R. R. The 265

Noyes, William 79

O'Brien, George H. 31, 246

Ostrander, Elder Daniel 54

Otis, James 102

Packer, John 79

Paine, Elisha 50

Palmer, Harriet 164

Palmer, Lucy 57

Park, Abigail 173

Park, Robert 18

Park, H. K. 104

Park, Martha 162

Park, Capt. John 173

Pease, L. E. 245

Peckham, Elder Stephen H.

58, 59
Peckham, Stephen H. Jr. 60

332

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYARD.

Page.

Peckham, Benjamin 59

Peckham, Esther 59

Penn, William 253

Pequot Indians, The 251

Perkins, Geo. L. 266

Perkins, John E. 56

Perkins, D. C. 57

Perkins, Sarah 57

Perkins, Laura A. 57

Perkins, Elisha 79

Perkins, Luke 79

Perkins, Luke Jr. 79

Perkins, Asa 79

Perkins, Elnathan 79

Perkins, Simeon 79

Pierce, Mrs. Thankful 53

Prentice, John 74

Prentice, Mrs. Esther 173

Prosser, Dea. Thomas 59, 60

Prosser, Anna 59
Punderson, Rev. Ebenezer

31. 46

Quincy, Josiah

66

Representatives in Leg-
islature 20, 21, 22
Revere, Paul 102
Roach, Sidney A. 45
Roach, Thomas 79
Roach Family, 152
Robbins, Elder Frank S. 60
Roberts, Elder George 54
Roberts, Richard A. 188
Rockwell, Charles 265
Rogers, Mrs, Frances 57

Page.
Rogers, John 61, 62, 63

Rose, Joanna 172

Rose, Thomas 172

Russell, Charles A. 247

Saltonstall, Rev. Gurdon 63
Saltonstall, Gurdon 172

Satterlee, C. A. 57, 249

Satterlee, Alice 57

Satterlee, Elmer 57

Satterlee, Susan 57

School Teachers, List of 273
Seabury, Dea. John 19

Seabury, Samuel 19

Seabury, Samuel Jr. 31, 224
Seabury, John 31

Seabury, Rev. Samuel 31,224
Seabury, David 79

Selden, Rev. J. Henry 185
Selden, Henry Bill 185

Separatists' Memorial, 269
Separatists' Petition, 271

Shapley, Capt. 68

Sholes, Capt. Nathaniel 79
Smith, Rev. David 35

Smith, Thomas 79

Smith, Leonard 37, 244

Smith, M. G. 60

Smith, Julia Sophia 179

Smith, Nehemiah 197, 264
Smith, Roswell 179

Smith Family, 153

Spicer, Peter 18

Spicer, Capt. Edmund

83, 243, 245
Spicer, John S. 245, 249

INDEX.

333

Page.

Sprague, Ella 185

Stanton, Capt. Amos 79

Stanton, Edward 71

Stanton, Anna 164

Stanton, Harriet 59

Stanton, Lydia 54

Stanton Family, 155

Starkweather, H. H. 246

Starr, Vine A. 60

Stedman, Sergt. John 79

Stedman, John W. 246

Sterry, Sally 44

Stewart, Alexander 164

Stiles, Rev. W. C. 247

Stoddard, Stephen M. 164

Stoddard, Jonathan 54
Stoddard, Ralph S. 18, 56

Stoddard, Sanford B. 244

Stoddard, Daniel 79

Stoddard, Robert 79

Stoddard, Ralph 79

Stoddard, Vine 79
Stoddard, Ebenezer 159, 160

Stoddard, Stephen M. 164

Stoddard, Jane F. 191

Stoddard Family, 158

Stoijeman, Elder Jesse 54

Stratton, Elizabeth 162

Street, Nicholas 264

Strong, Rev. Edward 179

Swain, Elder R. 54

Swan, Lucy 188"

Taylor, Elder Wm. A. 57

Thomas, Seabury 207

Thompson, Edward A. 181

Page.
Thompson, John C. 181

Thompson, Henry S. 181

Thurston, Edwin L. 188

Tillinghast, Lorenzo W. 60
Tourjee, Eben 179

Tracy, David 104

Trumbull, Mary 162

Tubbs, Elmer 57

Turkington, Elder Wm. 56, 57
Turner, Ezekiel 18

Tuttle, Anna Maria 25, 37
Tuttle, Harriet Newell 37
Tuttle, Joseph 36

Tuttle, Rev. Timothy 24, 30
35. 43. 52. 175. 180, 192

Vanderpool, Dr. S. O. 182
Volunteers in Civil War,

84, 85, 86, 87
Vrooman, Adelbert 182

Wait, Col. John T. 83, 162
Walworth, Reuben H. 214
Warren, Gen. Joseph 162
Washington, Gen. George 78
Webster, Noah 195

Wedger, Joseph 79

Welton, Rev. H. A. 48

Wheeler, Hon. Richard A.

96, 246, 247, 255
Wheeler, Richard 173

Wheeler, Prudence 173

Whipple, Chrissie 247

Whipple, Jonathan 176

334

HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF LEDYAUD.

Page.
Wilcox, Robert 59

Williams, Henry Warren

237. 238
Williams, Daniel 75
Williams, Elias Hewitt

238, 239
Williams, William 18, 19, 44
Williams, Cecelia H. 161
Williams, Warren 43
Williams, Youngs 162
Williams, William H. 240
Williams, Orrin M. 240
Williams, Rev. E. M. 247
Williams, Lt. Henry 79
Williams, Eleazer 162, 163
Williams, Zebaniah 79
Williams, Denison B.

161, 162, 188

Page.
Williams, Mary Ann 171

Williams, Eunice A. 161

Williams, Park A. 161

Williams, B. Frank 161

Williams, Mary Esther 188
Williams, Asenath 208

Williams Family, 160

Winthrop, Gov. John Jr.

17, 18, 103
Witter, Julia Ann 242

Wood, John 241

Wood, Col. Samuel W.

44, 241, 242
Woodbridge, Wm. H. 44

Woodmancy, Caroline 59

Worcester, Elder J. M. 56

Yerrington, Lucy

107